Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a heat warning for the Sunshine Coast: sḵelhp (Saltery Bay) to Powell River on Monday, August 11.
Temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius are expected for the next two days, according to the alert.
"This is a heat warning. Temperatures are very high and there is a moderate risk to public health," warned the ECCC. "Now through Tuesday, a ridge of high pressure is bringing elevated temperatures to the south coast. High temperatures will moderate on Wednesday."
The heat warning stated that 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; and people with limited mobility.
“Check on family, friends and neighbours who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space. 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.”
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.
The Weatherhood app indicates a temperature of 19 degrees this morning, which is expected to rise to 24 degrees by noon, with a breeze of 13 kilometres per hour. There is no precipitation in the forecast until Friday, August 15.
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