Extreme heat
Extreme weather—like heavy snow and extreme heat—can disrupt daily activities on campus. These situations are not always emergencies, but they may impact classes, events or operations.
Your safety is UVic’s first priority. Stay informed and be ready to adjust your activities when conditions change.
Heat alerts in Victoria
Heat warning: Issued when daytime highs reach 29°C or warmer and overnight lows are 16°C or warmer for two or more days. This means higher-than-normal temperatures, but not necessarily worsening each day. Take the usual steps to stay cool.
Extreme heat emergency: Declared when heat warning conditions are met and temperatures are forecast to rise substantially higher for three or more days. This carries a much higher health risk.
What to do
- Check the UVic website for the most up-to-date information. If campus is closed or you need to take action, you may receive a UVic Alert.
- If campus closes, wind down activities and leave when ready—immediate departure is not usually required. Remote work and online classes usually continue during weather-related campus closures.
- Follow public health advice and UVic’s safety messages.
- Stay cool: seek shade, hydrate and limit activity during peak heat.
Campus closures due to heat
Campus closures due to heat are very rare and would only occur in the case of an extreme heat event, based on provincial guidance and local conditions. Updates will always be shared on the UVic website and through UVic Alerts if needed.