Environment Canada's forecast is calling for elevated temperatures beginning Friday through to early next week with a heat warning for Eastern Vancouver Island.
The forecasted high temperatures for Central Saanich are shown below.
It's important to know the risks of heat-related illness and tips for staying cool.
Central Saanich Facilities for keeping cool
- Central Saanich branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library
- Panorama Recreation Centre
- Local coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores and movie theatres
Other suggestions for keeping cool if you’re outside
- Avoid the time between 11am – 3pm
- Spend time in shaded and breezy outdoor spaces
- Central Saanich has some great parks with lots of shade as well as locations down by the ocean
General heat safety information
PreparedBC - Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide. A roadmap to help you, your family, and your community prepare for extreme heat events.
Central Saanich Extreme Heat Response Plan. Find information about what constitutes a “Heat Warning” or an “Extreme Heat Emergency” and information about what to do during these events.
Preparing for summer heat
Are you prepared for when the temperature rises? Here are tips for how you can protect yourself and those around you:
- Check on your neighbours. Central Saanich residents at greatest risk include elderly or health-compromised individuals who live alone or who occupy older buildings that lack air conditioning. Among the District's almost 20,000 residents (including Tsawout and Tsartlip First Nations), about one-third of the population is older than age 65.
- Do not leave young children or pets in your vehicle. Temperatures can rise to 52°C (125°F) within 20 minutes in an enclosed vehicle when the outside temperature is 34°C (93°F). Leaving the car windows slightly open or "cracked" will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. If you must go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection.
- Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid outdoor activities, like sport, or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.
- Dress for the heat. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes and a hat to shade your face, neck, and ears.
- Wear sun protection factor: factor 30 or over on any areas that cannot be covered by clothing and a hat. Young children, especially babies, and the elderly are more susceptible to sun damage so be extra careful.
- If you're planning to travel, check the forecast at your destination.
- Cool yourself down: Drink plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks. Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high-water content. Bananas, orange juice and occasional salty snacks can also help replace salts lost due to sweating. Take a cool shower or bath or mist water over the skin or clothing or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
- Watch for symptoms of weather-related illness.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you or someone you’re caring for has a high body temperature and is unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating.