People are urged to stay as cool as possible during this higher-than-normal heat. (The Canadian Press)
scorcher

Nanaimo’s all-time heat record still stands despite sweltering Monday

Jun 29, 2021 | 12:17 PM

NANAIMO — The Nanaimo area just barely missed breaking the all-time record for hottest day ever in the area.

Environment Canada showed the thermometer at Nanaimo Airport reached 40.5 degrees on Monday, June 28, one-tenth a degree short of the record set in July, 1941.

It was the hottest June day in Nanaimo, a record which fell numerous times in recent days.

Thankfully, meteorologist Armel Castellan told NanaimoNewsNOW the worst is behind us.

“We’re starting to see the influence of Pacific air coming through the Juan de Fuca and Port Alberni. We’re going to be toned down thankfully, even more so for the next couple days.”

Highs are expected to linger in the mid-to-upper 20s.

“That’s still seven-to-eight degrees warmer than the typical end of June pattern,” Castellan said. “Our overnight low of 22.5 degrees Monday night and early Tuesday morning is greater than the typical afternoon high for the end of June.”

The heat boosted water restrictions throughout the area.

All areas of the RDN, excluding Nanaimo, are now at stage 3.

Stage 3 doesn’t bring in new restrictions but asks residents to be more concientious about their water usage.

Permitted watering times are from 7 to 10 a.m. or 7 to 10 p.m. on even or odd numbered days, depending on your house number.

Ways to cut back on water include letting your grass go brown, avoid washing cars or boats unnecessarily and sweep outside instead of using a hose to wash away grit.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt