British Columbia residents are being warned about a “short-lived” heat wave with daytime highs over 30 degrees in several regions, including eastern Vancouver Island.
Environment Canada has issued a series of heat warnings, saying a strong ridge of high pressure will set in Wednesday and last until at least Thursday.
On the Island, the warning covers Duncan to Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay and Courtenay to Campbell River, where daytime temperatures up to 35 C are expected, dropping to 27 C near the water.
Morning low temperatures are forecast at 16 to 18 C.
Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, the Fraser Valley and the Sunshine Coast are expected to see similar temperatures. The north coast, including Terrace and Kitimat, could see daytime highs of near 30 C.
In the Interior, residents of communities including Lytton, Lillooet, Kelowna and Penticton can expect daytime highs between 35 and 40 C.
A strong ridge of high pressure is forecast to set in tomorrow and last until at least Thursday, with the “short-lived” heat wave moderating by Friday, Environment Canada said.
Temperatures today and Thursday in the Victoria area will reach 27 C before dropping to 20 on Friday. Port Alberni’s forecast calls for highs of 33 Wednesday and Thursday, and 29 C on Friday.
Environment Canada says the hottest time of the day will be late afternoon to early evening, and it’s urging people to watch for the symptoms of heat illness, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing and extreme thirst.
— With a file from The Canadian Press
