Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses such as heat stroke or even death. Protecting yourself, your family and other potentially vulnerable people in your life is essential. 

The Capital Region Extreme Heat Information Portal hosts information and maps that can help people living in the area, as well as local government planners, to better understand how the region could be affected by extreme heat.

There are two types of heat level alerts in BC, a Heat Warning and an Extreme Heat Emergency.

Alert Threat Action 
Heat
Warning 		Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and holding steady. Take usual steps to stay cool. 
Extreme Heat Emergency Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than seasonal norms and getting hotter every day. Activate your heat emergency plan. 

Make sure you have an emergency plan and an emergency kit for everyone in your family. Be prepared by stocking up on extra fuel and food, and during an event stay tuned to radio and television stations for weather updates.

Island Health, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, will distribute alerts when heat events are a moderate or high risk to the public’s health. Alerts typically happen three to four days before the hottest temperatures are expected to take place. You can find extreme heat alerts and information on the following web pages:

Extreme Heat and Climate Change

Due to climate change, the capital region is experiencing hotter summer temperatures. In the coming decades, we can expect to experience more extreme heat days and heatwaves. We can minimize the impacts of climate change by reducing our carbon pollution and preparing our homes and communities for climate impacts that include extreme heat.

Quick Links