Person standing in front of a misting station spreading some of the water on their forehead

Heat Warning in effect: City of Vancouver reminds residents to stay safe

July 22 2026 –

Today, Environment Canada issued a Yellow Heat Warning  for the Metro Vancouver region, including Vancouver.

The City of Vancouver is reminding residents to take steps to protect themselves and others during hot weather and to make use of the services and resources available throughout the community.

Keep cool

Guidance from health practitioners indicates that indoor temperatures over 26°C can be dangerous to some and more than brief exposure to indoor temperatures 31°C and above can be dangerous for most people. Residents and visitors should make a plan to stay cool. This may include:

  • Using an air conditioner to cool your home or individual rooms in your home when possible. 
  • Taking cool baths or showers, wear a wet shirt or apply damp towels to your skin.
  • Opening windows at night and close windows, blinds and curtains during the day.
  • Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before you feel thirsty.
  • Visiting malls, neighbourhood spaces, or public cooling centres if staying cool at home isn’t possible.

Resources available

A range of cooling options are available across Vancouver to help residents and visitors stay safe during hot weather. This includes:

  • Cooling centres in community centres and libraries are now activated. Everyone is welcome to cool down and rehydrate at one of these centres and most community centres will allow well behaved pets. Seating, water, and access to washrooms are available at these locations.
  • Weather protected plazas and under trees, umbrellas and awnings at parks and beaches that can provide shade.
  • Over 300 permanent and temporary drinking fountains across Vancouver. 
  • 30 misting stations, that can be used to wet and cool skin and clothing. Misting stations are available 24/7 via a push button. 
  • Beaches, swimming pools and spray parks can also help people cool down.

Checking on people can be life-saving

We all have a role to play by regularly checking in on family members, neighbours and friends who are vulnerable to heat. This includes:

  • People aged 60 and over;
  • People who are socially isolated and/or live alone; 
  • People with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease;
  • People with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety; 
  • People who use substances, including alcohol;
  • Outdoor workers or people who work in hot environments; 
  • People who are pregnant; 
  • People who are experiencing homelessness or with marginal housing; and 
  • People with limited mobility and other disabilities. 

During heat events, City staff working outdoors in the community will look out for people suffering heat-related illness. The City has bottled water available for distribution to targeted community groups through key partners and through Cooling Centres.

Download the Alertable app to receive public safety advisories and emergency alerts with information on City of Vancouver services and resources. To download Alertable, visit vancouver.ca/get-alerts.

For more information on health and safety tips during the summer season, please visit vch.ca/extremeheat .