A three or four day period of hot weather is continuing over the south coast.
A building ridge of high pressure combined with an offshore flow of air will cause temperatures to soar to near 32 degrees during the afternoons, with slightly lower temperatures forecast near the Strait of Georgia. It's possible that a few daily temperature records will fall, but monthly temperature records will not be threatened. Computer models show that an onshore flow of marine air will develop this weekend, heralding a cooling trend.
Coping with the heat
There are many symptoms of heat-related illness, including thirst, dizziness, confusion, weakness and fainting/collapsing.
Medical health officers are reminding residents to protect themselves from the heat by staying hydrated, keeping cool and checking on others.
Stay hydrated
Drink cool beverages (preferably water) irrespective of your activity intake. Don't wait until you are thirsty.
If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask about increasing the amount of water you can drink while the weather is hot.
Keep cool
Spend at least several hours each day in an air-conditioned facility (such as a shopping centre, library, community centre or restaurant).
Use public splash pools, water parks or pools or take a cool bath or shower. At current temperatures, fans alone are not effective. Applying cool water mist or wet towels to your body prior to sitting in front of a fan is a quick way to cool off.
Wear loose, light-weight clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Keep your home cool. Open windows, close shades, use an air conditioner and prepare meals that do not require an oven.
Avoid sunburn, stay in the shade or use sunscreen with spf 30 or more.
Avoid tiring work or exercise in the heat. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of non-alcoholic fluids each hour.
Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Leaving the car windows slightly open or "cracked" will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
Check in on others
Check regularly on people living alone who may be at high risk of severe heat related illness. This includes seniors, those who are unable to leave their homes and anyone who may not be spending at least several hours every day in air conditioned places.
If they are unwell, move them to a cool shady spot, help them get hydrated and call for medical assistance if required.
Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.
-Submitted
