Extreme heat alert

As of June 28, 2021

Record-high temperatures are expected with daytime highs ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

High temperatures will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses. Excessive heat exposure can lead to weakness, disorientation and exhaustion. In severe cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe. They include:

  • Pale, cool, moist skin
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rash
  • Swelling, especially hands and feet
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Light headedness and/or fainting
  • Headache
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.

What steps can people take to avoid heat-related illness?

  • Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to avoid the most intense sun.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Water is the best choice.
  • Avoid physical work or exercise outside in the heat of the day.
  • If you must work or exercise outside, drink two to four cups of water each hour, even before you feel thirsty.
  • Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.
  • Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, but remember this doesn’t protect from the heat.
  • Stay in the shade, or create your own shade with lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a wide brimmed hat and/or an umbrella.
  • If you’re struggling to keep cool, move indoors to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30° C (86°F), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat-related illness.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52° C (125° F) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34° C (93° F). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
  • Regularly check older adults, infants and children, those doing a lot of physical activity or working outside, and people with chronic disease or mental illness for signs of heat-related illness. Make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people whose judgment may be impaired.

For more information about who is most at risk, visit the Interior Health’s extreme heat alert bulletin.

Work safely

For OC employees, the Occupational Health and Safety team has shared recent guidance from WorkSafeBC on ways to stay cool and avoid heat stress: including proper hydration, working in the shade, wearing light clothing that provides sun protection and taking breaks. There’s also information on Sun Safety here. For employees who have concerns around heat and how it may impact or interrupt services or classes or pose challenges, they should talk to their Dean or Director.