Environment Canada says a heat warning across much of British Columbia is expected to remain in effect for at least today, with cooler weather on the way for mid-week. The heat warning comes one year after a heat dome in B-C sent temperatures to 40 Celsius and above, contributing to the deaths of 619 people, many of whom were indoors on their own and elderly.

Environment Canada upgraded its special weather statements to heat warnings for Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, Fraser Valley and the North Coast where temperatures are forecast to reach the low 30s Celsius.

The city of Burnaby said in a statement Sunday it is opening four cooling centres to provide people relief from the heat.

B-C’s ecosystems are recovering one year after the deadly heat dome over the province, but future heat emergencies could have cascading impacts on the environment.

University of B-C Professor Chris Harley says cold-water marine species could be replaced by warm-water organisms.

He says the extreme weather caused billions of marine animals to die and researchers are scrambling to understand what it means for the ocean’s ecosystem.

BC’s Environment Ministry says it is working to co-ordinate ecology research and data on climate change as part of its new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.