Heat warnings cover coastal B.C. as soaring temperatures could drive BC Hydro to a record summer power demand. Here’s what residents need to know.

B.C. Heat Wave Could Push Power Demand to Record High

British Columbia is bracing for a burst of hot weather, and it could send electricity use to a new summer record. As temperatures climb across much of the coast, officials urge people to stay cool, use power wisely, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for several coastal regions, while BC Hydro expects electricity demand to rise sharply over the next few days.

Heat Warnings Stretch Across Coastal B.C.

Hot weather has settled over large parts of the province. Heat warnings now cover the Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Valley, Whistler, and inland areas along the north and central coast.

Forecasters expect daytime highs to reach as much as 33°C in some communities. At night, temperatures may only drop into the mid-to-high teens, offering little relief from the heat.

Current forecasts suggest the hot spell will continue until Thursday.

BC Hydro Prepares for Possible Summer Record

The rising temperatures are also expected to increase electricity use as more households turn on air conditioners and fans.

BC Hydro says this week’s peak demand could range from 8,200 to 8,800 megawatts, depending on how many people use cooling systems during the hottest hours of the day.

The current summer record stands at just over 8,600 megawatts, which the utility recorded in August 2025. If demand reaches the upper end of this week’s forecast, a new record could be set.

Air Conditioners Drive Higher Electricity Use

Power demand often rises during heat waves because cooling systems work harder and run longer. As a result, electricity use usually peaks during the afternoon and early evening when temperatures are at their highest.

Even so, BC Hydro encourages residents to stay comfortable while using energy wisely. Simple steps, such as closing blinds during the day, using fans when possible, and running major appliances during cooler hours, can help reduce strain on the electrical system.

Health Officials Urge Residents to Stay Safe

Health experts also remind people to take the heat seriously. High temperatures can increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Residents should drink plenty of water, avoid long periods in direct sunlight, and spend time in cool or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

In addition, officials encourage people to check on neighbours, friends, and family members who live alone or who have health conditions such as diabetes, as they may face a greater risk during extended periods of hot weather.

Hot Days Ahead for British Columbia

With the heat expected to linger through Thursday, both weather officials and BC Hydro continue to monitor conditions closely.

As temperatures remain high, residents can help protect themselves by staying cool, looking out for vulnerable people, and using electricity responsibly. Together, these small actions can make a big difference during one of the province’s hottest stretches of the summer.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

A glacier outburst near Pemberton, B.C., is driving rising water and debris downstream. Officials urge residents and visitors to avoid nearby waterways.

Glacier Outburst Gathers Strength Near Pemberton

A powerful glacier outburst near Pemberton, B.C. continues to send huge volumes of water and debris downstream, while officials warn that river flows are expected to reach their highest point on Monday.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) says the event has moved well into its rapid drawdown stage. As a result, fast-moving water continues to surge through local creeks and waterways.

Because conditions remain dangerous, authorities urge everyone to stay away from Place Creek, Poole Creek, Gates Lake, and other downstream channels connected to Place Glacier, located about 150 kilometres north of Vancouver.

Evacuation Order Remains in Place

An evacuation order has remained in effect for homes near the affected waterways since late June. Officials introduced the order after growing concerns that the glacier-fed lake could release a large volume of water and threaten nearby properties.

Even though crews continue to monitor the situation, the risk has not yet passed. Therefore, residents must continue to follow all emergency instructions.

Current Event Mirrors 2024 Glacier Flood

The glacier lake has burst before. In 2024, about 1.2 million cubic metres of meltwater mixed with sediment rushed downstream, damaging homes and surrounding land.

Officials expect this year’s event to produce a similar amount of water. Because of that, they continue to warn people about strong currents, floating debris, erosion, and unstable creek banks.

Experts Monitor Conditions on the Ground

Technical specialists are closely tracking water levels and carrying out ground inspections to assess changing conditions.

During inspections on Sunday, crews found overland flooding and much stronger flows in Poole Creek. They also recorded rising water levels near the Poole Creek Road culvert, showing that the outburst continues to affect the area.

Officials say they will keep watching the situation and provide updates as conditions change.

Public Asked to Stay Away from Hazard Zones

Although Pemberton Portage Road remains open and there are no travel restrictions at this time, officials strongly discourage anyone from visiting the affected area to watch the glacier outburst.

Instead, residents and visitors should avoid Place Creek, Gates Lake, and nearby waterways until authorities confirm that conditions are safe.

Emergency officials stress that powerful water flows can change without warning. Staying away from the area remains the safest choice while the glacier outburst continues.

B.C. and Simpcw First Nation sign a landmark consent agreement for the Yellowhead Copper project, shaping future mining decisions near Kamloops.

B.C., Simpcw Forge Landmark Copper Mine Consent Deal

A major step has been taken for mining projects in British Columbia. The provincial government and Simpcw First Nation have reached a new agreement that gives the First Nation a direct role in deciding the future of a proposed copper mine near Kamloops.

The agreement sets out how the Yellowhead Copper project will move through the environmental assessment process. Most importantly, the project cannot move ahead without Simpcw First Nation’s consent.

New Agreement Puts Shared Decision-Making First

The agreement brings together British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office and Simpcw First Nation to carry out a co-ordinated environmental review of the proposed open-pit mine.

At the same time, the province confirmed that two approvals will be needed before the project can proceed. Simpcw First Nation must provide its consent, and the province must issue an environmental assessment certificate.

In addition, the agreement could serve as a model for future mining proposals within Simpcw territory.

Yellowhead Copper Project Near Kamloops

Trekor Metals Limited has proposed the Yellowhead Copper project about 150 kilometres northeast of Kamloops.

The project first entered Simpcw’s environmental assessment process in May 2024. Later, in July 2025, it also entered British Columbia’s provincial review process.

As both assessments continue, the new agreement aims to keep the two reviews aligned while respecting Indigenous governance and provincial requirements.

Project Could Deliver Major Economic Benefits

According to the provincial government, the Yellowhead Copper project could provide a significant boost to British Columbia’s economy.

Officials estimate the mine could add more than $900 million each year to the province’s gross domestic product during its expected 25-year operating life.

The proposal could also create around 525 permanent direct jobs while attracting approximately $2 billion in capital investment.

Simpcw Says Agreement Marks Historic Milestone

Simpcw Chief George Lampreau described the agreement as an important achievement for the First Nation.

He said it marks the first time Simpcw has used its own consent process for a major development project. He also noted that the process was shaped through close work with community members.

Lampreau added that the agreement strengthens Simpcw’s ability to make decisions about projects in its traditional territory while building stronger relationships with both the provincial government and project developers.

He also emphasized that the agreement reaches beyond a single mine. Instead, it creates a framework for how future mining proposals will be considered, while respecting Simpcw governance, community values, and responsibilities to future generations.