Mist nozzles attached to a canopy at Maffeo Sutton Park offers a brief cool-down for people forced to deal with the heat wave. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

mercury rising

‘We are at the peak summer heat:’ prolonged summer stretch likely to last a while in Nanaimo

Jul 25, 2022 | 5:32 AM

NANAIMO — The summer’s first heat warning is in effect for the region.

Environment Canada issued the alert early Monday, July 25 for the entire central Island, warning of temperatures consistently in the low to mid 30’s, combined with overnight low’s in the mid teens.

Meteorologist Derek Lee said the rise in temperatures is due to a high-pressure system hovering over the area, which is common for this time of year.

“High-pressure systems are known for their ability to bring sunny skies and warm temperatures to the region. We are at the peak summer heat…night time periods are shorter where we are not getting much cooling, so naturally it just sets up a good time to have the heat build on day-after-day.”

Heat dome conditions, like the ones experience in 2021, are not likely, according to Lee.

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“These temperatures are not as comparable. Last year’s heat dome was historic, and our all-time record was at Lytton at 49.8 degrees, so we are still really far away from anywhere in B.C. to reach at least 49.8 degrees.”

From a health and safety perspective, once temperatures get into the low 30’s the chances of heat warnings being triggered increase.

“Sometimes a fan just won’t cut it,” Lee said. “You may need air-conditioning, or visit a cooling centre nearby to stay safe during this period of time. Heat-related illness can affect anyone regardless of their age, so do limit the time you are outside during these hot spells.”

Along with drinking plenty of water, Lee went on to say it’s also good practice to check in on your friends or family members to ensure they are keeping cool, especially if they are elderly.

While the high-pressure system is expected to remain over the mid-Island until the weekend, Lee predicts there’s a good chance the heat will carry on into August.

“Seven days after that we may see a break for a day or two, but it’s likely that we may see more sunny skies further on into August, and this heat may last a little longer. It may not hit heat warning criteria, but the temperatures may not cool as much as we expect.

Island Health provides a broad range of ways to help beat the heat on their website.

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