It is a good day to jump in a lake.
The Environment Canada heat warning remains in effect today, July 8.
Today it will be sunny, with a high of 33 C, dipping down to a balmy low of 16 C overnight.
The humidex, which is a measurement of how the heat will feel, is set to hit 36. Within the range of 30 to 36, people are likely to feel "some discomfort," due to the temperatures.
Environment Canada notes the importance humidity plays in how we feel.
"The body attempts to maintain a constant internal temperature of 37 C at all times. In hot weather, the body produces sweat, which cools the body as it evaporates. As the humidity or moisture content in the air increases, sweat does not evaporate as readily. Sweat evaporation stops entirely when the relative humidity reaches about 90%. Under these circumstances, the body temperature rises and may cause illness."
The UV index will reach 8, or very high today.
In Canada, the index ranges from 1 to 11; the higher the number, the stronger the sun’s UV rays.
When the index is very high, like it is forecast for today, that means you need to protect your skin and eyes, and be alert to signs of heat illness.
No kiting at oceanfront beach
In the wake of a man's death while he was kiteboarding off of Sp'akw'us Feather Park on July 1, the District of Squamish has temporarily closed the beach to kiteboarding, while an investigation into the incident is underway.
"Kites are being restricted out of caution to ensure public safety. Wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted," a District release states.
Access to Pepahím̓ (Spit Island) for kiteboarding is available through a shuttle operated by the Squamish Windsports Society.
Shuttles take place daily between noon and 7 p.m. with access to the shuttle launch a short walk from the Sp’akw’us Feather parking lot.
Visit squamishwindsports.com for information and current weather conditions.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on July 8 was at 5:15 a.m. Sunset will be at 9:20 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent phase.
"During this phase, the lit-up part of the moon increases from 0.1% to 49.9%. Waxing means that it is growing, while crescent refers to the curved sickle shape," reads www.timeanddate.com.
The moon's illumination is currently 7.2%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Leo.
The moon is 399,191.06 kilometres from Earth.
Moonrise was at 7:58 a.m., moonset will be at 11:18 p.m.
"Both moonrise and moonset are defined as the moments when the upper edge of the moon's disk touches the horizon," reads the explanation on www.timeanddate.com.
The next full moon will be on July 20, at 9:27 p.m.
Tides
The next low tide today is at 1:53 p.m. ( 0.68 metres); high tide is at 9:36 p.m. (4.7 m), according to the site tides.today.
Seawater temps
The water temperature in Howe Sound on July 8 is 18.3 C, according to seatemperature.info.
The warmest water we have seen on this day in Squamish was 19.7 C, in 2019; the coldest was recorded in 2012 at 15.1 C.
The July average water temperature in Squamish is 18.4 C, the minimum temperature is 15 C, and the maximum is 22.4 C.
Good fishing day?
According to solunarforecast.com, July 8 is set to be a good fishing day in Squamish.
The best, or major, bite time today is between 2:53 p.m. to 4:53 p.m.
Events to note
Here are some local upcoming events you might want to attend.
•On July 13, it's the annual Sea to Sky BC SPCA Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 41345 Kingswood Rd.
"A fundraiser for the Sea to Sky BC SPCA. A sale with lots of treasures to be found. No prices on the items so it is a pay what you want event. Cash preferred," reads the description.
•Later, on July 13, you can catch Black Pontiac: Indie Night with Grade School and Friends at Trickster's Hideout, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
"Join us for an unforgettable evening of feel-good indie vibes at Indie Night," reads the event listing.
•On July 25, catch Taylor James at the Sea to Sky Gondola, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"For Taylor, music is first and foremost about connection. It’s about translating and sharing the emotions that make life worth living, that make us who we are. “The world is messed up,” she says. “With music, I want to show people that they’re not alone, give them an opportunity and safe place to feel. Sure, I’d like to take the show to a bigger audience—whether it’s onstage or in front of camera. But the goal is to connect, not to get famous or impress anybody. Music makes the world better. That’s why I do it," reads the event listing.
•On July 27, check out the Vox Rea: Name It Yourself Music Festival 2024, at Trickster's Hideout from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The evening includes performances by Evan and the Tide, Wack, Suppertime, Fet's Luck, and Vox Rea.
Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free online event calendar.
On this day
- The average high temperature in Squamish on July 8 is 22.9 C, according to Environment Canada.
- The average low is 11.7 C.
- The highest temperature on this day (1982-2023) was 34.6 C in 2010.
- The lowest temperature seen on this day in the district was 5.3 C in 1983.
- The most precipitation we have seen on this day was 68 millimetres in 1997.
Looking ahead
The Environment Canada heat warning is in effect through Tuesday.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says a strong ridge of high pressure will continue to bring unseasonably hot conditions across southwestern B.C. through the first half of this week.
"Today and Tuesday are the warmest days with daytime high temperatures in the low to mid 30s, except high 30s near Pemberton," he said.
"Overnight lows will be near 16 C. Some relief is expected around midweek as the ridge weakens and moves eastward. However temperatures will remain above normal for several days."
Gas prices
According to our latest data, on July 8, regular gas is selling for 179.9 cents per litre at most Squamish stations.
In Whistler, the cheapest gas in town is 179.9/L at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, you can fill up for 182.9/L at AC Gas, at 7432 Prospect St.
In North Vancouver, gas is selling for 181.9/L at the Chevron at 660 3rd St W.
Road warnings
On Highway 99, northbound, until Aug. 4, expect utility work between Scott Cres. and Cleveland Ave. The right turn lane and shoulder is closed. Watch for traffic control.
On Highway 99, northbound, there will be shoulder maintenance that will close the left lane between Kelvin Grove Way and Brunswick Beach Rd for 0.9 km (Lions Bay), starting today until Thursday, July 11. The work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Also starting today, on Highway 99, northbound, roadside brushing is planned between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd (9 km south of Whistler) will close the right lane. The work will be ongoing until July 11. from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Finally, starting today on Highway 99, there is mowing between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd until 2 p.m. There will be a lane closure, so expect delays.
Find the latest road warnings on the DriveBC site.
Heat beware
The heat can sneak up on you.
So, we know you know, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded to take care of yourself, does it?
Here are some Environment Canada notes on staying safe in the coming days that were part of its heat warning.
• Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility. Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space.
•Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
•If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
Wind:
Stay cool and check on your neighbours, Squamish!
