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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.