3:59 PM PDT Thursday 1 August 2024 Heat Warning in effect for: Central Coast - inland sections Temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 13 degrees Celsius are expected for the next 3 days. A period of hot temperatures is expected. Where: Inland areas of BC''s Central and North Coast. When: Friday through this weekend. Remarks: A strong ridge of high pressure is building over the region. This will cause daytime highs to reach the high twenties, with overnight lows in the low teens. The above average heat is expected to persist until Monday, at which time the ridge will break down and temperatures should cool. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, unusually dark urine) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space. Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration. 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. 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. 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 .