Sun and warmer weather are forecast for Vancouver Island this week, when people in some areas are expected to experience temperatures above 30°C.
A high-pressure ridge is approaching B.C.’s coast, bringing a “summertime pattern” of dry weather for the “foreseeable future,” says Chris Doyle, an Environment Canada meteorologist, in an interview with CHEK News.
The weather agency’s forecasts as of Tuesday, July 2, show sunny, clear skies through to next Monday for most of the Island, including the Greater Victoria area, where the heat will peak at 29°C on Saturday and Sunday.
The Central Island will be warmer, forecasts show, climbing to 30°C by Saturday in Duncan, Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Campbell River and surrounding areas.
But it’s likely Port Alberni will bear the brunt of the heat, according to Doyle, who says the Island city “picks up higher maximum temperatures.” It will be 30°C and sunny there on Thursday, climbing to 31°C the next day before cooling slightly.
A mix of sun and clouds is forecast in Tofino some days this week, with temperatures reaching 25°C by Saturday, according to Environment Canada on its website.
Additionally, it should be a bit cooler on the North Island, including in Port Hardy, where daytime temperatures will peak at 19°C on Thursday.
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Doyle says with the heat comes humidity, especially this weekend, making it “tougher to cool down the house.” But the meteorologist adds that there will be some relief by bedtime, as overnight lows should remain around average.
Aside from the Island, it’s going to be hotter on B.C.’s mainland, meaning weather records could be broken. In Kamloops, for example, 37°C is forecast for Sunday.
The B.C. government’s website has tips on beating the heat, noting it can be easy to become dehydrated or suffer from a heat-related illness.
BC Hydro also provides summer home cooling tips.
Ethan Morneau
