Local water parks are poised to get a workout next week with well above normal temperatures forecast. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

Heating up

Approaching heat wave triggers calls for caution across Island and interior regions

Aug 10, 2023 | 1:03 PM

NANAIMO — While forecasters don’t expect records set in the 2021 heat dome event to be even remotely threatened, a strong ridge of high pressure making its way to B.C. is still concerning.

Temperatures for the central Island region are forecast to creep into the low 30’s by Monday, Aug. 14 and last through much of next week.

Provincial emergency preparedness minister Bowinn Ma said Thursday, Aug. 10, the forecast calls for heat to develop over Vancouver Island first before pushing into B.C.’s interior.

“In some regions, these temperatures may trigger heat warnings. While these elevated temperatures may pose risks, I do want to ensure everyone that this upcoming heat event is not expected to be as extreme as the event that we faced in June and July of 2021.”

She added longer nights and shorter days in August, compared to June and July, mean better opportunities for nighttime cooling.

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Still, overnight lows are forecast to be in the high teens for the Nanaimo and Parksville-Qualicum Beach regions.

The heat has officials on alert on several fronts, watching both water levels and fire activity.

As of Thursday morning, just under 400 wildfires were burning province-wide, including a small cluster suspected lightning-ignited fires west of Campbell River.

Eleven fires province-wide are labelled wildfires of note, with a majority of them burning around Kamloops and Prince George.

Ma said pending elevated heat and limited anticipated precipitation will further stress provincial waterways and ecosystems, already at historical lows.

“Twenty-eight of B.C.’s 34 water basins are current at [drought] level four or level five. While these levels haven’t changed since last week, that’s over 80 per cent of B.C.’s water basins and the situation remains concerning.”

Eastern Vancouver Island was among the first to be put on drought level five in mid-July, while much of the area are on the strictest water restrictions currently available.

Health experts advise dealing with the heat in chunks, ensuring indoor temperatures in your home don’t exceed 31 degrees and having a cool space to take refuge in should temps creep up higher.

“Heavy sweating, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the hands and feet, dizziness and decreased mental alertness may be symptoms of heat related illness,” Ma added.

Heat is presently forecast to crest mid-week before cooling into the weekend, although in a statement on their website, Environment Canada admits “there remains some uncertainty as to the extent and duration of the elevated temperatures.”

Several tips to help mitigate negative implications due to the heat courtesy of Island Health, particularly for vulnerable populations, are listed here.

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