Chilliwack/Abbotsford – Temperatures are on their way to the neighborhood of 35 degrees this weekend, and the UV index will be nearing an 8 or more.
That’s a high risk for sunburn and sunstroke, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
We have all been given fair warning by Environment Canada and the good ol’ Farmers Almanac that this summer has the potential to be similar to 2009.
You may recall that summer of record breaking temperatures at the end of June.
It’s deja vu all over again.
All the indicators point towards a warmer sunnier and drier than normal summer for the Valley.
This on-coming heat wave, which really starts Friday, should last almost a week.
Add to that, the borderline drought conditions with how dry things were in May and June, and that pattern is expected to continue throughout the entire summer.
Great of you’re a sun worshiper.
Not great if you’re a farmer….or a firefighter.(The first responders have already seen their fair share of bark mulch and brush fires from foolish people not caring about cigarette butts etc.)
Now the usual hot weather tips from Environment Canada:
Dress for the weather
Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat made of breathable fabric.
When you buy sunglasses, make sure they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Take a break from the heat
If you must do physical activity in extreme heat, take extra breaks, remove gear to let your body cool off and drink lots of water. Don’t expect your usual performance in hot weather. Give your body time to recover after being in the heat.
Keep your home cool
Make meals that don’t need to be cooked in an oven.
Block the sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
If safe, open your windows at night to let cooler air into your home.
If you have an air conditioner with a thermostat, keep it set to the highest setting that is comfortable (somewhere between 22ºC/72ºF and 26ºC/79ºF). This will reduce your energy costs and provide you with needed relief. If you are using a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can go for heat relief.
If your home is extremely hot
Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
Use a fan to help you stay cool and aim the air flow in your direction.
Spend a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot like a shopping mall, grocery store, or public library.
Avoid exposure to extreme heat when outdoors
Did you know?
Sunburned skin loses its sweating efficiency. This makes it harder for your body to regulate its temperature.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
When the outside air temperature is 23ºC/73ºF, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous – more than 50ºC/122ºF.
Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
Before heading out, check the Air Quality Health Index in your area, if available. Air pollution tends to be at higher levels during very hot days.
Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler days, or choose a cooler location like a place with air conditioning or with tree shade.
Avoid sun exposure. Find or bring shade when possible.
Tree-shaded areas can be as much as 5ºC/9ºF cooler than the surrounding area.
Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella.
Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
Wear sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection.
Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Don’t use sunscreen on a child less than 6 months old.
Keep an eye on Seniors, kids and pets!
