Is it hot enough for you?

After a sputtering start to the season, summer has arrived in spectacular fashion.

A massive ridge of high pressure has developed over the Southern Interior. The ridge is piping hot, desert air from the U.S. Southwest right into the province.

According to Environment Canada, we are in for record breaking maximum temperatures today.

Abbotsford broke a record on Sunday. The mercury hit 33.3 C, snapping the old record of 33 C set back in 1995. Forecasters say Chilliwack likely broke a record by a degree Sunday, but that isn’t official yet.

Today it’s the BC Southern Interior’s turn.

High temperatures could hit the 40 C mark. According to the forecast, Penticton is looking for a high of 36 C today, while Kelowna and Vernon are both shooting for highs of 37 C and Kamloops looks like it will be the hot spot with a high of 38 C.

Environment Canada is calling for sunshine and highs in the low to mid 30s for the rest of the week.

The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended.

Coping with the heat

There are many symptoms of heat-realated illness including thirst, dizziness, confusion, weakness and fainting/collapsing. Medical?health officers are reminding residents to protect themselves from the heat.

1. Stay hydrated

2. Keep cool

3. Check in on others

4. Get informed

For more information on heat-related illness, call HealthLinkBC at 811 or check out their website.

Make sure to slap on some sunscreen if you’re spending time in the sun today. Health Canada has some great tips on sun safety.

To contact the reporter for this story email halexander@infotelnews.ca or call (250) 491-0331.