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
The following warning levels have been established by the BC Heat Alert and Response System. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will issue warning messages based on set criteria that consider impact and likelihood.
Yellow Warning — Heat: The most common warning (2 to 3 a year). Issued when temperatures in the region are unusually high and expected to reach between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius for at least 2 days.
Orange Warning — Heat: These warnings are uncommon (approximately 1 per summer). Issued when temperatures in the region are unusually high and expected to exceed 29 degrees Celsius daytime and 16 degrees Celsius or more overnight for 3 or more days.
Red Warning — Heat: These warnings are very rare (approximately 1 per decade). Issued when temperatures reach or exceed Orange Warning levels and the heat is expected to substantively increase day over day for 3 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.