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Summer scorcher downs 2 Malahat daily records in 2 days

Greater Victoria residents reminded to keep cool as heat wave continues
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Don’t forget to keep pets cool, reminds the BC SPCA and Saanich Emergency Program as the south Island heat wave continues. (Saanich Emergency Program/Twitter)

The Malahat broke a weather record for the second consecutive day as a summer scorcher continues across the province.

Monday’s 33.2 C defeated the daily high of 33.1 C set Aug. 14, 2004.

As a heat wave hit the province the day before, the Malahat area registered 33.2 C, breaking the Aug. 13, 2021 record of 33.1. Records of that area have been kept since 1986.

Malahat was among 14 B.C. communities to beat daily temperature highs on Aug. 14.

Port Alberni was the only other Island community to hit a daily high at 37.5 breaking the 1933 record of 36.7 C. Temperature records there have been kept since 1900, according to Environment Canada.

READ ALSO: Records tumble as B.C. heat wave spreads, hitting 40 C

Environment Canada issued several heat warnings on the weekend, and the strong ridge of high pressure is expected to remain over southern B.C. through Wednesday. Communities can expect above-seasonal daytime temperatures combined with higher-than-usual night temperatures.

In Greater Victoria, Southern Gulf Islands and east Vancouver Island, daytime temperatures are expected to hit 29 to 34 C with overnight lows near 16 C. Temperatures are expected to lower a few degrees on Thursday as the ridge begins to break down.

Island Health reminds folks to keep cool when outdoors: seek breezier areas such as parks near water; avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day; rest often in shaded areas and be respectful of others who need to rest and rehydrate as well.

Indoor options include libraries, community centres or malls. The City of Victoria also maps 13 community cooling stations and on the Peninsula residents can use one of several cooling centres.

Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and check on those at greater risk during extreme and prolonged periods of heat.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rash, swelling, weakness, lightheadedness or headache, vomiting, extreme thirst and dark urine or increased urination.



About the Author: Goldstream News Gazette Staff

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