4:28 PM PDT Sunday 7 July 2024 Heat Warning in effect for: Central Coast - inland sections This is a heat warning. Elevated temperatures are expected and there is a moderate risk to public health. Where: Inland sections of the central and north coasts. When: Now through Tuesday night. Remarks: Daytime high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 13 degrees will persist through Tuesday night. Temperatures are forecast to moderate towards more seasonal values on Wednesday. Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility. Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Keep your house cool. Turn on your air conditioning (if possible), block the sun by closing curtains or blinds, or relocate to a cooler location such as a basement or public cooling centre. Fans alone cannot effectively lower core body temperature, especially for older adults. Use fans to pull in cooler air from outdoors, but if you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of heat illness, find a cooler space. Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building. To get more information: - Check the local news for health and safety updates. - Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness . - Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness. 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. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm .
