Despite the current heat wave becoming less intense on Vancouver Island as of Wednesday, Environment Canada says temperatures are expected to remain unseasonably warm for the remainder of the week.
The weather agency says that highs ranging from 28 to 32 degrees celsius combined with overnight lows of 16 to 18 degrees celsius.
Environment Canada adds that the humidex values will reach the low to mid 30’s as of Wednesday as well.
The agency says that despite having gotten through the most intense parts of the heat wave, Vancouver Island will still face higher temperatures than normal.
“An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure over British Columbia has resulted in record-breaking temperatures. The duration of this heat wave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures,” reads a statement from Environment Canada.
“This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses. For Howe Sound, river levels have risen due to glacier melt.”
The heat has caused power outages, mass snowmelt in the coastal mountains and intense phytoplankton bloom, however, the BC Coroners Service is also reporting that more than a hundred deaths may be contributed to our extreme temperatures, and that number is only expected to grow.
“͞Since the onset of the heat wave late last week, the BC Coroners Service has experienced a significant increase in deaths reported where it is suspected that extreme heat has been contributory. The Coroners Service would normally receive approximately 130 reports of death over a four-day period. From Friday, June 25 through 3 p.m. on Monday, June 28, at least 233 deaths were reported,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner in a statement.
Police say many of the deaths were seniors with underlying health concerns and living without air conditioning.
Environment Canada cautions residents to monitor possible symptoms of heat illness, which includes dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
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