Environment Canada has reported that an ongoing heat wave is expected to last until the middle of this week in certain parts of Vancouver Island.
On Tuesday, a special weather statement was posted by the agency suggesting that the ridge of high pressure, which elevated temperatures over the long weekend, will last until tomorrow in areas along the East Coast of Vancouver Island. This includes the surrounding areas of Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, Nanoose Bay, Fanny Bay, Nanaimo and Duncan.
Additionally, Inland Vancouver Island is also experiencing a heat wave from the same high-pressure ridge that will start to weaken by Wednesday as well.
Environment Canada says that the daytime highs in these areas will hover around 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius. Slightly cooler daytime temperatures are expected closer to the water.
This current heat wave hitting British Columbia’s South Coast marks the second time temperatures have reached above-average seasonal levels in the province for an elongated period of time in just under a month.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors,” reads a statement from the weather agency.
Environment Canada is also advising Vancouver Islanders to check on older family, friends and neighbours, drink plenty of water, stay in cool places or seek cool places such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
The agency also emphasizes watching for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
CHEK News
