Heat wave for B.C.’s South Coast as temperatures set to soar

A heat wave is expected to hit B.C.’s South Coast this week and Environment Canada is warning temperatures are expected to soar.

A special weather statement has been issued for the following regions:

• East Vancouver Island
• Inland Vancouver Island
• Greater Victoria
• Sunshine Coast
• Whistler
• Howe Sound
• Metro Vancouver
• Fraser Valley

In these regions over the next few days, daytime maximum temperatures will soar into the mid to upper 30s. Temperatures will be several degrees lower near the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca.

READ MORE: B.C. wildfires map 2017: Current location of wildfires around the province

Environment Canada says daily temperature records from Tuesday to Thursday will likely be broken in many communities, along with all-time records for the month of August.

For example, the highest August temperature ever recorded at Abbotsford is 36.3 C and the forecast for Thursday is 35 C.

The heat, combined with the lack of rainfall in the regions will mean the fire danger ratings for southern B.C. will remain from high to extreme. More than 150 wildfires continue to burn across the province.

Environment Canada is also warning about heat-related illnesses. Those most vulnerable to high temperatures include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, those working or exercising in the heat, persons with chronic illnesses, people living alone in homes without air conditioning and the homeless. However, everyone is at risk.

READ MORE: B.C.’s Seniors Advocate urges people to check in on the elderly as temperatures rise

Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place and never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.

READ MORE: B.C. vet posts photo of dog that died in hot car as warning to pet owners