A record-breaking heat wave has taken hold of Vancouver Island, including the Alberni Valley. Officials are worried about people suffering heat stroke in the streets. Skye Ryan reports.
Temperatures soared in the Alberni Valley region Wednesday and the record-breaking heat wave is expected to continue.
On Wednesday, Port Alberni reached 36 degrees Celsius, breaking the record of 35.2 C set back in 2009.
Temperatures in the high 30s are expected for the rest of the week and into next week, including 38 C on Thursday. There is a special weather statement in effect for the heat wave.
In the Alberni Valley, days of temperatures in the 30s have started to take its toll. Port Alberni’s Salvation Army has opened an emergency cooling station downtown to help people prevent heat stroke. People are also getting away from the heat in other buildings and in the shade.
While walking on Port Alberni’s water-front Wednesday, Richard Sam constantly checked the pavement. By the mid-morning, he was worried the heat was becoming too intense for his dog Manny.
“His feet will burn on the pavement,” Sam said. “By two, three o’clock, it will be cooking.”
Alexa Huffman
