—Updated: 12:30 on Aug. 9—
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Howe Sound with temperatures expected to reach 30 C.
"This is a heat warning. Temperatures are very high and there is a moderate risk to public health," reads the Environment Canada alert.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach or possibly exceed 30 C on Sunday and Monday, with overnight lows expected to remain above 16 C.
Maximum temperatures above 30 C could potentially continue into Tuesday followed by a cooling trend on Wednesday.
Environment Canada offers the following advice during a heat wave:
"Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who 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 with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility," the alert reads.
"Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space. Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
"If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building."
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness or fainting
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva)
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums)
If you have any of these symptoms during extreme heat, move to a cool place and drink liquids right away. Water is best.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Watch out for the signs and symptoms of heat stroke which may include:
- high body temperature
- confusion and lack of coordination
- dizziness or fainting
- very hot or red skin
If you or anyone in your care experiences any of these signs and symptoms, call 911 immediately.
For more information on how to handle the heat, visit the Environment Canada website.
—Updated: 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 8—
The District of Squamish has announced that due to a food-conditioned black bear, the municipality has closed the playground and picnic area at the end of Smoke Bluffs Road effective today, Aug. 8.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS ) again reminds the public to be bear aware and take extra precautions when using the Smoke Bluff trails.
"All visitors to parks in the District are required to securely store all attractants—Do not leave backpacks in open spaces unattended. Store all food and scented items in a vehicle, hard-sided trailer, or bear-proof locker," reads a social media post from the District.
This closure is in effect until further notice.
Conservation Officers are monitoring wildlife activity in the area and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Report human-wildlife conflicts to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
Earlier today, the COS notified residents of a cougar attack on a mountain biker travelling on a trail at Brohm Ridge. Earlier in the week, two dogs were attacked by a cougar in the Squamish Valley. A cougar was also spotted in Brackendale this week.
—Original story Aug. 8—
Happy Friday, Squamish.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says a ridge of high pressure will build over southern British Columbia today—Aug. 8—and this weekend, leading to dry conditions and warmer temperatures.
The warmest days are expected to be Sunday and Monday, with highs of 30 C inland.
The ridge of high pressure will weaken towards the middle of next week with cooler conditions anticipated as an upper trough approaches the area, Ross said.
Environment Canada says we can expect a high of 23 C today, and an overnight low of 12 C tonight.
The UV index will rise to 7, or high.
What to do when the index is between 3 and 7?
"Take care. Wear big hats and clothes that cover your skin. Put sunscreen on skin that you can't cover. Don't be fooled if it's cool or slightly cloudy. The UV still gets through," says Environment Canada.
The humidex, which measures how uncomfortable heat makes you feel, is at 25.
The index goes from 20 to 46-plus.
A rating of 25 means most people will feel, "little discomfort," due to the heat today.
Sunrise was at 5:53 a.m. Sunset will be at 8:43 p.m.
Moon phase
It is a full moon rising tonight, Aug. 8.
The moon's illumination is currently 99.38%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.
It is 14.03 days old and currently located in the Capricorn constellation.
Howe Sound conditions
The water temperature in Howe Sound today is 19 C at the Halibut Bank buoy, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
However, this may not reflect nearshore water temperatures closer to Squamish.
The source seatemperature.info says Squamish's water temp in Howe Sound is 19.6 C, based on 10 years of data.
(If you have a better daily Howe Sound water temperature source, email us: [email protected].)
Allergens
According to Aerobiology Research Laboratories data, this is the pollen situation in our region:
Today
Pollen: Low
Spores: Moderate
Today's top allergens
True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Boxelder, Maple (None)
Tomorrow, Aug 9
True Grasses (Low)
Misc. Weeds (Low)
Boxelder, Maple (None)
August 10
Pollen: Moderate
Spores: Moderate
Other stuff you should know
Be waterfall smart
Squamish Search and Rescue have issued a safety reminder to folks venturing to Shannon Falls.
"With the growing popularity of Shannon Falls and nearby trails, we are seeing more people swimming and recreating in areas that are deceptively dangerous," they posted to their social media.
"In the past two days, our team has responded to MULTIPLE waterfall-related incidents—people slipping and falling downstream from pools or edges near the falls. Some suffering various degrees of injuries; including one who was incredibly lucky to escape unharmed.
"Shannon Falls is beautiful—but it is also powerful and unpredictable. Even calm-looking water above the falls can hide strong undercurrents. Rocks and logs are EXTREMELY slippery, and once you lose your footing, the current can take over quickly."
Heading into the weekend, SSAR is urging visitors to use caution and remember:
• Stay out of pools above or below waterfalls
• Avoid wet rock near cliff edges
• Respect all warning signs and barriers
• Don’t underestimate shallow or fast-moving water
"Please don’t take unnecessary risks. Your safety—and the safety of those around you—depends on good judgment," they said.
Be wildfire smart
While Squamish continues to recover from the Dryden Creek wildfire, which started on June 9, locals and visitors are reminded to be especially cautious during this dry season.
**Important Reminder: A complete campfire ban is in effect across our region due to heightened wildfire risk this summer season.
Currently, on Aug. 8, the fire danger rating in our region is 3, going up to a 4 over the weekend.
This means a moderate moving to high risk of wildfire, if sparked.
According to the provincial wildfire service, a high danger risk means forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted.
The BC Wildfire Service notes that over the three long weekends of this summer, the Wildfire Prevention Ambassador Program, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Land Guardians, and Natural Resource Officers are activating an information kiosk at the entrance to the Upper Squamish Valley Forest Service Road.
Representatives will be sharing messages about safe use of open fire, campfire prohibitions, how to report suspected illegal activities, and more.
"The BC Wildfire Service Fire Wardens and Squamish Nation Land Guardians will increase patrols in the Valley for prevention, detection, and reporting of wildfires and illegal activities," the post reads. "The Conservation Officer Service will also be deployed for environmental compliance and enforcement, shared stewardship and public safety."
They were out over B.C. Day long weekend and will be out in force from Friday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, Aug. 31.
Conservation Officers Service crews have also been actively patrolling for illegal campfires and ticketed multiple people last weekend.
Auditors checking totes
The District has alerted folks who receive curbside collection for your garbage, organics and recycling that they may see auditors checking their recycling totes through the summer.
"Their goal is to identify misplaced materials and provide feedback to residents by leaving a feedback tag on your tote," reads the District post to its social media.
The muni says questions can be directed via email to [email protected].
If you are not sure where an item goes, check the Waste Wizard at squamish.ca/wastewizard.
Be bear aware
There have been recent cougar sightings that resulted in local warnings, but black bears are definitely still out and about in Squamish right now, too.
For our beloved tourists visiting, here are some tips to be more bear aware in our region:
Do not leave backpacks or attractants unattended. Prior bear activity included a bear taking unattended backpacks from bouldering areas, the base of climbing routes, and along the hiking trails in the park.
Store attractants in vehicles or in provided bear caches if leaving items unattended for any period.
Campers should not leave any attractants in their tents and should cook meals in the provided cooking shelter areas.
Any park visitor who leaves attractants unattended may have these items confiscated and may be evicted from the park.
All park users recreating in bear country are encouraged to travel in groups and to carry bear spray.
Please report bear sightings to the park operator on site and / or the RAPP Line (1-877-952-7277).
Water restrictions
Water restrictions have been in effect since May 1.
The muni has set Stage 1 outdoor water use restrictions.
Stage 1 means lawn watering is limited to two days per week.
"In the summer months, water consumption nearly doubles. The outdoor water use restrictions are in place to effectively manage the supply and demand of water across the community during the warmer months," the District said in a social media post.
Locals with even-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday.
Locals with odd addresses water on Thursday and Sunday.
Watering can take place from 4 to 10 a.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m.
Permits may allow additional watering of newly seeded lawns and new sod. Call the Public Works office at 604-815-6868 for more on those permits.
Britannia Beach and Furry Creek water restrictions
Watering restrictions are also in effect for Britannia Beach and Furry Creek as of June 1, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) announced in its newsletter.
Britannia Beach and Furry Creek water system users are asked to limit their use of water for sprinkling and irrigation to the following times:
- 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Upcoming Chipper Days
Squamish FireSmart is hosting Chipper Days for the 2025 wildfire season. There are still a few more to catch before fall!
Reduce, reuse, recycle
The District reminds locals that Squamish DOX Recycling, located at 40446 Government Road, is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The recycle hub accepts a variety of recyclable materials, including: glass, flexible plastics, foam packaging, paper and cardboard, containers (plastic, metal, and paper).
Live view of the Stawamus Chief ⬇️.
