High UV Index values expected this weekend

WATCH: Metro Vancouver will continue to bake this weekend under hotter-than-usual temperatures. Leigh Kjekstad reports.

With soaring temperatures on the way for much of coastal British Columbia, sun worshipers should be aware of the higher than normal UV Index values.

Global BC meteorologist Mark Madryga says UV Index values this weekend will consistently fall under the “very high” category across southern British Columbia, with forecast values of eight or possibly nine.

“These are values typical of mid-summer, but are occurring now in early June due the abnormally warm air mass coming today through early next week, and of course the high sun angle as we approach the longest day of the year,’ says Madryga.

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He says both elements are strongly correlated with the higher UV Index values.

UV Index values between eight and 10 necessitate extra precautions and can damage unprotected skin.

The public is advised to avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Additional sun protections tips include:

• Reducing your time in the sun (particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., from April to September), and seek shade when outdoors.
• Covering up by wearing a broad-rimmed hat, a shirt with long sleeves, and wrap-around sunglasses.
• Using sunscreen (with both UVA and UVB protection) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Listening for Environment Canada’s UV Index, which is included in your local weather forecast (when it is forecast to reach 3 or higher (moderate) during the day).

You can monitor the daily UV Index across B.C. here.

On Thursday, Vancouver Coastal Health also issued a health warning about the upcoming stretch of hot weather.

The public is warned to stay hydrated, keep cool and check in on others.

Everyone is at risk of heat-related illness, but children, seniors and people with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable. There are a variety of mild to severe symptoms linked with heat-related illness, including thirst, dizziness, confusion, weakness/fainting/collapsing and even death.