Butchart Gardens closed due to the extreme heat wave in BC

A popular Vancouver Island attraction announced it will be closing temporarily due to the scorching heat in BC.

The Butchart Gardens announced it would be closed from noon on Sunday June 27th until Wednesday, as the heat wave continues to worsen.

On Saturday, Victoria hit a red-breaking temperature for the month of June. According to Environment Canada, temperatures reached a peak of 35.8° C. The previous record of 35 C set in 1925.

Island Health closed two of its immunizations clinics in Greater Victoria clinics during the afternoon until Tuesday.

Both Eagle Ridge Arena and Archie Browning Sports Centre will be closed at noon on June 27th and 28th.

“Despite mitigation measures, the high temperatures of the afternoon and lack of air conditioning are impacting the safety of our patients and staff,” said Island Health in a media release.

Anyone with appointments at either clinic during this time will be contacted to rebook their appointment.

Several restaurants and pubs in the city also announced they would close their doors until the extreme heat passed, including Bucky’s Taphouse.

“With the health and safety of our staff as our top priority, we have made the decision to close Buckys for the rest of today and tomorrow (Sunday) Sorry folks,” the pub wrote on Facebook.

Environment Canada issued a special statement last week warning of a “dangerous long-duration heat wave” that would affect BC beginning on Friday and lasting until at least Tuesday.

Daytime highs will range from 29 to 37 degrees celsius combined with overnight lows of 18 to 20 degrees celsius. Humidex values during this period will reach the high 30s to possibly the low 40s.

While the above temperatures have been unprecedented for Vancouver Island, it’s only going to get worse over the next two days, as Sunday is forecast to be hotter than Saturday.

Additionally, Monday will be warmer than Sunday.

With that said, temperatures for coast are expected to ease slightly on Tuesday.