A heat record has been set in the Comox Valley. File photo.
A temperature record was broken in the Comox Valley Tuesday as a heat wave grips the south coast of British Columbia.
On July 24, the Courtenay-Comox area reached 32.7 C, surpassing the previous record of 31.7 C set in 1924. Temperature have been recorded since 1914.
The area was the only place in B.C. that broke a temperature record on Tuesday but residents on B.C’s south coast are continuing dealing with high temperatures.
On Vancouver Island, a heat warning remains in effect for Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands, inland Vancouver Island and east Vancouver Island from Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay. Temperatures reaching 29 C are expected.
The heat warning was first issued earlier in the week due to a ridge of high pressure anchored offshore. The hot weather is expected to persist into early next week.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and medical health officers are reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves from heat, including:
- Staying hydrated by drinking cold beverages, preferably water.
- Spending time in an air-conditioned facility for at least
several hours every day. - Avoiding sunburn by staying in the shade and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
- Never leave people or pets in a parked car.
Young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors are at a greater risk of heat-related illness.
Alexa Huffman
