A warm and sunny stretch is in the forecast for Greater Victoria and according to one meteorologist, it makes perfect sense.
“We have had early heat this year and some sun, for sure. Maybe not as much sun as everybody would love,” said Environment Canada’s Armel Castellan.
“But, without question, mid-July to mid-August is the stereotypical summer weather. It’s when we see our driest stretches and our warmest stretches.”
The sun is expected to be out and shining with temperatures hovering around 20 to 24 degrees in the coming days before it really starts to sizzle, with parts of northern B.C., the interior, and down the coast into Washington likely feeling the heat.
It follows Environment Canada’s special weather statement issued late last month, when daytime highs approached 30 degrees for several days in Greater Victoria, Nanaimo and Port Alberni.
“To see temperatures now projected to get into the upper-20s by the time we get to Sunday, Monday, Tuesday of next week is not really that surprising,” Castellan told CHEK News.
“Right now, the temperatures are 20 to 24 degrees for the next few days, but beyond that is when things are really going to warm up,” he said, noting the thermometer is expected to hit 27 degrees come Sunday.
While it may not get as hot as last summer’s historic heat dome that left over 600 people across B.C. dead, including 24 in Greater Victoria, it could prompt worry.
“A few things could change, but it looks like Sunday is the day when things take an inflection point to the next level of heat. There’s something to look forward to or be afraid of, depending on your perspective of it,” added Castellan.
“We definitely are looking at the potential for heat warnings for early to mid next week, so that’s something that should be taken with some caution. It’s not fabulous for everybody and can be taxing for some populations.”
HealthLinkBC has tips to beat the heat on its website.
Ethan Morneau
