Heat events

Heat events are a regular occurrence during summer months. The province will issue an official heat advisory if temperatures reach 29C during the day and 16C at night, over two consecutive days.

In some cases, North Cowichan will open cooling centres at locations such as community centres where the public can go to stay cool. Listen to local radio, watch local news channels or social media channels, or check this web page for those details.

Even if there is no heat advisory in place, it is important to be prepared to keep yourself, your family, and pets safe.

In 2022 – in response to the heat dome events of 2021 – the province issued an Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide to help people prepare for the heat with tips about how to stay safe when temperatures rise.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stress, which is the general name given to several different medical conditions caused by working in hot conditions, such as heat cramps (muscle pain or spasms), heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat stress conditions

  • Excessive sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Painful muscle cramps (heat cramps)
  • Confusion/headache

Preventive measures:

  • Wear sunblock on exposed skin
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids
  • Identify cool zones at work, inside the home, and within the community
  • Check on family and neighbours that may be vulnerable to heat illness
  • Use air conditioners, thermal curtains/window coverings, and fans where possible

More resources:

For more information, contact:

250-746-3100
info@northcowichan.ca

Back to top