Hot enough for you?
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Updated: July 30, 2009 4:57 PM
Why yes, thank you very much.
That’s been the overwhelming refrain from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents this week as temperatures soared into the high-30s, breaking a number of local records.
As a result, people are doing all sorts of things to beat the heat.
Becky Wheating is the supervisor of the Maple Ridge Inn and Suites on Lougheed Hiighway in Maple Ridge and says business has been steady throughout the heat wave as locals opt to rent a room for the night and enjoy the hotel’s air conditioning.
“We are definitely seeing more people from the local area,” she says. “They’re just sick and tired of it being too hot to get to sleep at night.
“They just want to get some rest.”
Environment Canada meteorologist David Jones recommended at-risk groups like seniors and children can head to the nearest mall to take advantage of their air conditioning.
The mercury hit 37 C at Pitt Meadows Airport on Wednesday, making it the hottest July 29 on record. Metro Vancouver issued air quality health warning this week as a result of the smog that has built up in the Lower Mainland in the absence of any rain.
Thursday afternoon saw an air quality rating of 8, denoting a high health risk.
Children, the elderly and people with heart or breathing problems are being warned to reduce physical exertion outdoors or reschedule activities to times when the index is lower, especially if they experience symptoms. Anyone with heart problems should follow a doctor’s advice about managing their condition.
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