Get ready for a heat wave to roll over Kamloops, Okanagan

If you're in the Southern Interior this week, get ready for some very hot days.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement as temperatures as high as 36 Celsius are expected to hit the Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola, Boundary, and South and North Thompson.
 
"A ridge of high pressure originating from the desert U.S. has set up shop over the B.C. Interior and will stick around for a few days. It will produce the first spell of hot weather so far this summer," reads the advisory issued today, Aug. 6.

"At this time we don’t expect to issue a widespread heat warning for the southern Interior. However, the public is encouraged to protect themselves from the heat."

This is a traditionally hot area and Environment Canada’s criteria for issuing a heat warning requires maximum temperatures greater 35 C and overnight lows greater than 18 C for two or more consecutive days. Many locales will reach or exceed the 35 C high-temperature threshold but most areas will drop below 18 C at night.

Environment and Climate Change Canada wants to remind people to drink plenty of water even before they feel thirsty and to stay in a cool place. Outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. They also advise that people and pets should not be in hot cars. 

A reprieve from the heat will begin on Friday. The transition to more seasonal temperatures will be accompanied by thunderstorms.

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