Vancouver Islanders can expect temperatures to begin heating up Sunday as the second heatwave of the year hits the region.
“We live in such a beautiful place so I’m welcoming the heat because there’s so many different water sources here that we can hit up,” said Cumberland resident Kristi Hoidas on Friday.
Environment Canada says the heat will hit Vancouver Island starting on Sunday.
“We’re going to see a ridge of high pressure starting to build in this weekend, and with really warm temperatures coming for the region starting Sunday right through the beginning and middle part of next week,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau.
Charbonneau says temperatures are expected to be five to eight degrees above normal during the heatwave. That means daytime highs in the low to mid-30’s for several days.
Victoria is expected to see highs around 28 and 29 C Sunday through Thursday, while the temperature in Port Alberni is expected to soar to 35 C on Tuesday. Nanaimo will be 31 on Monday.
Provincial officials are advising the public to take precautions if necessary and listen to local authorities for information on things like where cooling centres are.
“It is critical that people understand the risk, prepare for the conditions and know where to access support,” said Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma.
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The wildfire danger on Vancouver Island has been reduced this week due to recent rains, but it is expected increase again in the heat next week.
“Yes, these conditions will quickly increase our fire danger and create and environment in which wildfires can start easily and spread very rapidly,” said Coastal Fire Centre information officer Abigail Herman.
On Friday, the fire danger rating ranged from extreme in parts of Greater Victoria to very low on the North Island.
Dean Stoltz
