Temperatures on parts of Vancouver Island are expected to soar over this week as a heat wave approaches the area.
A heat warning has been issued for much of central and southern B.C. this week, as a high-pressure ridge is expected to sweep through the province.
Temperatures on Vancouver Island’s east coast and the Sunshine Coast are expected to hit between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius, according to Environment Canada.
The agency adds temperatures near the water are forecast to hit 25 to 29 degrees, and early morning temperatures will likely be between 15 and 17.
According to Environment Canada officials, daytime temperatures in the B.C. interior could range between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Overnight lows will be offering little relief, with temperatures dipping between 18 and 20 degrees in the early mornings.
The high temperatures are expected to last from Tuesday to Saturday, with the hottest days coming later this week.
“The peak daytime high temperatures are expected from Wednesday to Friday. Then, a slow cooling trend is likely next weekend to early August,” said Environment Canada officials. “The hottest time of the day will be late afternoon to early evening. The coolest time of the day will be near the sunrise.”
The only parts of the province not under the heat warning include the northern portion, the southeast corner, and parts of the coast and Vancouver Island.
Experts are warning you to be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses, such as swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Young children, pregnant people, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors are especially vulnerable to exposure to high temperatures.
WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to keep an eye on employees, and to keep outdoor and indoor workers safe.
In 2021, WorkSafeBC says they accepted 114 claims from workers related to heat stress. They say that is a 180 per cent increase from the previous three years.
They say 35 per cent of heat-stress claims were for indoor workers.
WorkSafeBC says employers must have a feat stress mitigation plan and to watch for heat stroke among workers during the heat event.
More: Environment Canada weather alerts
With files from Riley McCormack
