'Record-breaking heat' on the way for Vancouver Island, highs of 37 C possible
Environment Canada is warning that a “dangerous long-duration heat wave” could push temperatures as high as 37 C on Vancouver Island over the next few days.
The warning covers a large swath of the region from Greater Victoria to Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, the southern Gulf Islands and inland Vancouver Island communities.
Temperatures will peak between Friday and Tuesday, with humidity levels pushing the perceived temperatures potentially as high as the low 40s, according to the weather service.
“An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure will develop over British Columbia, likely resulting in record-breaking temperatures,” Environment Canada said in a statement Thursday.
“The duration of this heat wave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures,” the weather service said. “This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.”
Similar heat warnings cover most of British Columbia over the next few days
The weather office says high temperatures will raise some river levels due to glacier melt, increase the risk of wildfires as forests dry out and boost the potential for illnesses linked to heat or air quality as the high-pressure lid traps stagnant air over much of B.C.
Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water even before feeling thirsty and watch for symptoms of heat illness, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and fainting.
Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.