11 May 2023
Environment Canada and Climate Change have issued a Special Weather Statement for Greater Victoria, forecasting unseasonably hot weather developing over coastal BC, beginning Friday, May 12 through to Tuesday, May 16.
Daytime highs will reach into the high 20s to low 30s, with overnight lows in the low to mid-teens. The highest temperatures are expected on Sunday and Monday.
Tips to address hot weather
Get VictoriaReady for the heat and remember these tips:
- Stay hydrated (carry a refillable water bottle for filling at Victoria drinking fountains).
- Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, usually 2 to 6 p.m.
- Wear light, loose clothing and a hat.
- If working outside, take breaks and find shade
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
- Check on the neighbors.
Heat Alerts
There are three categories of heat alerts issued by Environment Canada and Climate Change:
- Special Weather Statement: A Special Weather Statement may be issued for the first heat event of the year, providing local governments time to provide helpful heat preparation information to communities before it gets hot.
- Heat Warning: A Heat Warning will be declared in Victoria when daytime high temperatures are forecasted to reach at least 29 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days, with the nighttime lows not falling below 16 degrees Celsius.
- Extreme Heat Emergency: An Extreme Heat Emergency will be declared in Victoria when the temperature forecast meets the criteria for a Heat Warning, with temperatures continuing to increase over three days.