A late spring “heat event” has Greater Victoria municipalities reminding residents how to keep their cool when the sun shines.
Starting Saturday (June 7), much of Vancouver Island and the south Coast will see higher than usual temperatures for this time of year, according to Environment Canada.
A ridge of high pressure is expected to bring temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s with overnight lows in the low to mid teens. High temperatures will persist into early next week.
Early season heat can be significant due to the lack of acclimatization to elevated temperatures, Environment Canada noted.
In anticipation of the coming heat wave, Saanich reminds residents to find a cool spot, identify a heat buddy, plan ahead for outdoor activities and keep cool in general.
Parks, beaches, splash pads and recreation centres are excellent spots to beat the heat. Seek shade, avoid direct sunlight during midday, wear a hat and protective clothing, use sunscreen, and wear UV-protective eyewear.
Folks who live alone should consider finding an extreme heat buddy for check-ins or to call on for help. Those who don’t feel they need a buddy should consider if there’s someone they know who might.
Keep the home cool by blocking the sun with curtains or blinds. Avoid cooking indoors or doing laundry on the hottest days or the hottest part of the day. To save energy and keep things cool, wash laundry in cold water and let it line dry.
Wetter is better, and fans alone cannot effectively lower core body temperature, especially for older adults. Use fans to pull in cooler air from outdoors, drink water regularly, take cool showers and mist with cool water to keep from overheating.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.
Heat can have serious physical health impacts. If you are with someone who is confused, unconscious or has fainted and you think it is from the heat, call 911.
