Sun and heat brings ‘very high’ UV ratings

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – After a brief stumbling block this weekend Mother Nature is returning with the full force of the sun behind her, bringing us temperatures well into the 30s over the next week.

Temperatures dipped a little closer to normals for a few days heading into the weekend and were followed by a bit of rain, but we’re headed back above 30 Celsius throughout the region.

Highs of 30-33 C are expected today, about five degrees warmer than what is considered normal at this time of year, while tomorrow will bring temperatures as much as 10 degrees above that normal. Highs ranging from 29-36 C are expected throughout the rest of the week as well.

Along with the heat there will be lots of sun this week and with that comes a ‘very high’ UV index rating of nine. Environment Canada warns extra precaution is needed when the index reaches the very high rating because unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.

In general the weather office suggests reducing the amount of time you spend in the sun during the day and to wear broad-rimmed hats, long sleeves and wrap-around sunglasses along with sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, regardless of the UV index rating.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.