Heat warning issued for Howe Sound

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Howe Sound. A dangerous long duration heat wave will affect B.C. beginning on Friday and lasting until Tuesday.

Daytime highs ranging from 29 to 37 degrees celsius combined with overnight lows of 18 to 20 degrees celsius can be expected. Humidex values during this period will reach the high 30s with the potential of reaching the low 40s.

An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure will develop over British Columbia likely resulting in record breaking temperatures. The duration of this heat wave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures. This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.

The public is being urged to take the following precautions:

• Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
• Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
• Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.

For online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself visit healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness. To speak with someone about heat-related illness, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1.

Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.

June 23, 2021