The heat is coming back and it will once again be near record levels. Environment Canada upgraded its statement to a heat warning for the entire south coast this morning. It includes the following information:
Temperatures reaching 29 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius are expected for the next 4 days.
A significant heat wave will affect the south coast of B.C. Significant warming will ramp up on Wednesday and continue through until Sunday morning.
Threat: Daytime highs ranging from 29 to 35 degrees celsius combined with overnight lows of 16 to 19 degrees celsius. Humidex values during this period will reach the mid to high 30’s.
Locations: Metro Vancouver – Central, Metro Vancouver SW, Metro Vancouver – North Shore, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound, Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island.
Timespan: Thursday to Sunday.
Remarks: A strong ridge of high pressure will start developing today and reach maximum strength Thursday and Friday resulting in very hot temperatures. The duration of this heat wave is expected to last at least three days, and little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures. These hotter than normal temperatures will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.
How long will it last – a look at the model
Environment Canada is expecting this to last 4 days, let’s see if the models can give us some more insight.
The good news is the UWash model agrees that by Sunday morning we should feel a definite change in weather pattern as a front with moisture moves down the coast. Unfortunately that moisture dissipates over the Island on Sunday but at least it does get into the Interior!
More possible good news, the UWash model has temperatures dropping off on both Saturday and Sunday. We’ll see if that pans out.
Stay hydrated
Remember to stay hydrated and find the coolest place you can during these very hot days. I have not heard whether the City is reopening its cooling centres but if you need a cool place to go, sometimes an extended walk around a large local shopping outlet might do the trick.
Take care out there.
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