Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for communities on the east coast of Vancouver Island as a ridge of high pressure moves over the region.
The warning is in effect from Duncan to Nanaimo as well as Howe Sound, with temperatures up to 30 degrees and overnight lows near 16 degrees today through Thursday.
No other heat warnings have been issued for Vancouver Island, though Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures of up to 30 degrees in Greater Victoria on Wednesday and Thursday.
The warning comes amid a particularly hot and dry month of August. Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon told CHEK News Monday that Victoria International Airport records, on average, two days above 30 degrees for the year. So far this year, it’s seen four 30+ degree days.
As for precipitation, Greater Victoria has seen far less rain than is normal for the month of August — one millimetre compared to the regular 24 millimetres it receives.
Environment Canada says slightly cooler temperatures are expected Friday and into the weekend.
The agency is reminding people in affected areas to take precautions against heat illness, especially for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising indoors.
Symptoms of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of some health conditions.
CHEK News
