Greater Victoria, parts of Vancouver Island hit with heat warning

A heat warning has been issued for parts of Vancouver Island, including Victoria, as a hot and sunny stretch is forecasted into the B.C. Day long weekend.

According to Environment Canada, temperatures will heat up with daytime highs hitting 31 to 35 C inland and 25 to 29 C near the water starting Monday through Friday or possibly Saturday.

The weather agency issued warnings early Monday morning for Greater Victoria, East Vancouver Island and Inland Vancouver Island, as well as other parts of B.C. like the Sunshine Coast and Southern Gulf Islands.

“A strong ridge of high pressure will bring a heat wave to British Columbia this week. The peak daytime high temperatures are expected from Wednesday to Friday,” Environment Canada said.

“Then, a slow cooling trend is likely next weekend.”

When speaking with CHEK News early last week, Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan said heat warnings for late-July were likely.

“Without question, mid-July to mid-August is the stereotypical summer weather. It’s when we see our driest stretches and our warmest stretches,” said Castellan.

While the coolest time of the day will be near sunrise, it’s expected to sizzle by late afternoon to early evening over the next several days.

“It would also be a good idea to avoid going too much in the sun during the mid-day period. That’s when the ultraviolet radiation is at its highest,” noted meteorologist Gregg Walters.

SEE ALSO: Heat wave expected to move through southern B.C.

Although it may not get as hot as last summer’s historic heat dome that left over 600 people across B.C. dead, residents are still urged to take precautions to combat health and safety risks.

“Extreme heat affects everyone,” Environment Canada said. 

“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.”

Seniors especially should watch for the effects of heat illness which include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Due to the heat warning, a city spokesperson says misting stations found across Victoria are being activated.

A map shows the location of misting stations set up in the City of Victoria.

With the weather bound to bring people out to beaches, parks and splash pads to cool off, Walters also reminds residents to stay hydrated and wear lots of sunscreen.

HealthLinkBC has tips to beat the heat on its website.

-With files from CHEK’s Mackenzie Read.

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