No summer breeze this weekend, as a heat warning has been issued for parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warning comes because of a building ridge of high pressure located over the region. As a result, daytime highs will be in the low 30s while the evening lows are near 16 degrees in places such as the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Powell River, Nanaimo, Parksville, and Duncan.
They say while temperatures are expected to moderate in the middle to latter half of next week, the timing is still uncertain.
Director of the clinical hub for BC Emergency Health Services Ford Smith says when the inside temperatures increase, that’s when the health risk increases during a heat event.
“We encourage people to access cooling centres, where they feel it’s appropriate and to do their best to stay in the shade,” said Smith.
Smith adds if you or someone you know has symptoms like a racing heart, feeling weakness, or fainting, you should call 911.
The weather agency encourages you to watch for heat illness effects, which include heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature, and worsening some health conditions.
You are also advised to not leave people at risk of heat illness, kids, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
In response to the heat warning, both Island Health and Vancouver Coastal Health are offering other tips for you to be safe.
Island Health tips can be found here, while Coastal Health tips can be found here.
Files from Justin Baumgardner, Vista Radio Staff.
