Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a heat warning for Saltery Bay to Powell River early this morning.
Temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius are expected for the next three to five days, stated the alert.
"This is a heat warning. Elevated temperatures are expected and there is a moderate risk to public health."
When: Beginning Sunday July 7 lasting through the middle of next week.
The Weatherhood station predicts today's temperatures (Friday, July 5) to rise to 27 degrees and dip to 11 degrees overnight. Saturday, July 6 will be similar with temperatures hovering around 27 degrees in the daytime.
ECCC explained that a building ridge of high pressure over the region will usher in very high temperatures beginning Sunday. Daytime high temperatures will be in the low 30s with overnight lows near 16 degrees. The temperatures are expected to moderate during the latter half of next week but the timing is currently uncertain.
"Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility," warned ECCC.
Checking on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space is advised by the ECCC.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.
Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
To get more information:
Check the local news for health and safety updates.
Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness.
Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.
Environment Canada expects an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.
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