Heat warning now in effect for parts of Vancouver Island
Environment Canada has upgraded its special weather statement to a formal warning as unseasonably high temperatures are expected to reach parts of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and southern Gulf Islands.
The heat warning covers eastern Vancouver Island from Campbell River to Courtney, Duncan to Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
From Wednesday morning until Sunday, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees, with nighttime lows in the mid to upper teens. Cooler temperatures are expected to move into the region on Sunday.
The rest of the island, including Greater Victoria, remains under a special weather statement Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach into the high-20s near the water and low-30s inland, while overnight lows rise into the high teens.
The weather service is advising residents to watch for signs of heat illnesses, including rashes, cramps, swelling, fainting and the worsening of some health conditions.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors,” Environment Canada said in a statement Wednesday. “Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.”
People are reminded to never leave pets inside parked vehicles.
"Extreme heat is dangerous and can have devastating and deadly consequences," B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a statement Wednesday.
"Health authorities and BC Emergency Health Services are preparing to assist people in need during the heat wave," Dix said. "British Columbians must also make any necessary preparations ahead of time and take steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones."
Forecasters say conditions will not be as hot as late June, when temperature records shattered across Western Canada and the BC Coroners Service determined sweltering conditions caused hundreds of deaths.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Leonardo DiCaprio criticizes Ottawa over B.C. salmon farms
Salmon farms have long been a point of contention between environmentalists and fish farmers in British Columbia, but a much bigger net is now being cast on the topic.
Flight from Israel to New Jersey diverted to New York state due to high winds, turbulence
High winds and turbulence have forced a United Airlines flight from Israel to be diverted from its destination of Newark Airport in New Jersey to Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, N.Y..
Vancouver rapper falls on ice during Canucks game performance
The Vancouver Canucks weren’t the only ones who stumbled during Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Stars.
Snow-covered bodies of 2 men from Senegal found in New York woods near Canadian border
Two men from Senegal froze to death were found in the snow of a wooded area close to the Canadian border, New York state police said.
This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
An historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
Manhattan DA suggests Donald Trump violated gag order with post about daughter of hush-money trial judge
Manhattan prosecutors suggested Friday that Donald Trump violated a gag order in his hush-money criminal case this week by assailing the judge's daughter and making a false claim about her on social media.
Niagara Region 'proactively' declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse
Niagara Region says it has declared a state of emergency 'out of an abundance of caution' as it prepares for an influx of visitors for next month’s total solar eclipse.