Environment Canada has issued a new special weather statement on heat for parts of Vancouver Island as the dry, hot conditions continue.
In a public weather alert, Environment Canada says that a “strengthening ridge of high pressure” will bring increasing temperatures to B.C.’s south coast later this week.
The weather agency says that daytime temperatures will increase approximately three to 5 degrees Celsius from ones experienced early this week, meaning coastal areas will fall in the high 20’s and inland areas will reach the low 30’s.
According to the public weather statement, the time frame with the hottest weather will be from Thursday to Saturday.
The highest temperatures are expected to be in the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky region and inland Vancouver Island.
Environment Canada is cautioning residents of Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands and Inland Vancouver Island about the incoming hot temperatures.
Areas along west Vancouver Island and on north Vancouver Island have not been issued the special weather statement.
“Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps. fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions,” reads a statement from Environment Canada.
The dry, hot conditions have also created significant risks across B.C. when it comes to wildfires. Authorities continue to ask residents to be smart and safe when out in nature as fires can start easily and spread rapidly under these current conditions.
Graham Cox
