With temperatures climbing steadily into the 30s, the City of Victoria is responding by setting up misting stations around town and reminding residents about sun safety.
The ‘heat dome’ of 2021 may feel like a lifetime ago, but with the state of the world and climate change rapidly heating the planet, every summer consecutive will likely be the hottest summer in our lifetimes.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning at around 4 a.m. on Monday, August 14th for the coming week as Greater Victoria could hit a high of up to 31°C.
“A strong ridge of high pressure will remain over southern BC through Wednesday,” read Environment Canada’s heat warning.
“Well above seasonal daytime temperatures combined with elevated overnight temperatures will mean little relief from the heat. Temperatures are expected to lower a few degrees on Thursday as the ridge begins to break down.”
The City of Victoria steps up and responds with their Extreme Heat Response Plan any time the weather gets past 30°C — what staff consider to be the threshold of a heat emergency for Victorians.
This plan includes having spaces available as cool down centres where anyone is welcome to get themselves out of the sun, misting stations set up on fire hydrants around town where
Victorians can mist themselves as long as they need to and there are several other water features that have been activated throughout the city.
This plan will be put in place until Thursday, August 17th when temperatures are expected to dip significantly.
Overnight temperatures until Thursday will remain steady at around 16°C, but during the day, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its highest, the city is urging Victorians to stay hydrated and to wear sunscreen among other precautions.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
- Extreme thirst
- Skin rash
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Dark urine and decreased urination
Oftentimes, if untreated, heat exhaustion will lead to heat stroke which is a severe form of the condition. It requires medical treatment and is very serious if left unchecked.
Symptoms of heat stroke are:
- Very high body temperature
- Dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- No sweating
- Hot, red skin
During periods of extreme heat, the city’s most vulnerable people are the unhoused community — they are predisposed to get heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The city has measures in place to ensure they have access to water and cool places to get out of the sun, but it is ever-important to make sure people aren’t left unconscious on the street in the extreme heat.
Anyone who finds someone unconscious in times of extreme heat should call 911.
