Smokey skies blanketed Nanaimo in early August, as smoke from B.C.'s interior moved into the region. The smoke largely cleared after roughly 24 hours. (Kyle Ireland/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HOT HOT HOT

Smokey skies possible as third summer heat wave descends on Vancouver Island

Aug 11, 2021 | 12:02 PM

NANAIMO — The pending third wave of hot weather for the region this summer may not be the only problem over the coming days.

Environment Canada issued its third heat warning this year on Monday, Aug. 9 after forecasts called for temperatures 10 to 12 degrees above normal.

With fires continuing to burn in B.C.’s interior, meteorologist Armel Castellan said the hot temperatures may not be the only factor at play this week.

“We’re going to have higher pressure on the interior and lower pressure just off sure to the west of Oregon and that might bring outflow conditions, particularly at altitude where a lot of the smoke gets elevated to.”

Castellan added the smoke could work in the region’s favour temperature-wise, with daytime highs potentially moderated as a result of hazy skies.

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Vancouver Island has largely escaped the smoke generated from hundreds of wildfires throughout the province this summer.

A thin layer blanketed the region on July 31 and Aug. 1, while the wildfire burning southwest of Chemainus contributed a little to the air a week later.

Environment Canada’s latest warning projects temperatures to reach the mid-30’s beginning Wednesday, Aug. 11, maxing out Thursday and Friday before cooling off over the weekend to more seasonal values.

“The duration of this heat wave is expected to last at least three days, and little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures,” the heat warning noted. “These hotter than normal temperatures will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.”

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