HEAT WARNING ADVISORY – COOLING SERVICES AVAILABLE
In response, cooling services are available for the public to cool off and get away from the heat.
A heat warning has been issued by Environment Canada for parts of British Columbia which is expected to occur from August 13-17, 2023. In response, cooling services are available for the public to cool off and get away from the heat.
- Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex – Arena seating areas are open to the public as a place to cool down during normal business hours. See hours of operation at strathconagardens.com or phone 250-830-6777. Pets will not be permitted due to Health Authority regulations.
- The City of Campbell River has extended the opening hours of the Centennial Outdoor Pool to 8:30 p.m. and the Willow Point splash park from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until the end of Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Fees will be waived for all swimmers at the Centennial Pool. See pool schedule at campbellriver.ca/pools
- The City of Campbell River water restrictions have also been eased from now until Wednesday, August 16, 2023, to allow residents to set up sprinklers to cool down.
Environment Canada Heat Warning – Updated 4:05 am Monday August 14th 2023
A prolonged heat wave will affect the South Coast.
Threat: Daytime temperatures reaching 29 to 34 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius.
Locations: Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast.
When: Now through Wednesday August 16.
Remarks: A strong ridge of high pressure will remain over southern BC through Wednesday. 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. Extreme heat may cause many potentially severe health side effects including muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme thirst, loss of consciousness, and death. If these occur, rest in a cool place, drink cool fluids, try cooling measures such as a cool shower, and loosen clothing. If you don’t begin to feel better within one hour, seek medical attention.
The potential side effects are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those working or exercising outdoors. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For more information:
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
- Check HealthLinkBC healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness or call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.
- View srd.ca/community-preparedness for an extreme heat preparedness guide.
Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions. This will remain in effect until the temperatures cool but is expected to end Thursday, August 17th, 2023.