Heat warning issued for South Thompson, while alerts continue in Okanagan

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Kamloops and the South Thompson region since temperatures may reach as high as 40 Celsius with overnight lows only down to 19 C.

“A ridge of high pressure will build throughout the week to a maximum strength on Friday and Saturday resulting in very hot temperatures,” the alert states. “The duration of this heat wave is expected to last at least until Sunday, and little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures. These hotter than normal temperatures will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.”

Special weather statements continue for the Okanagan, Shuswap, Nicola, Shuswap and Boundary regions where highs are expected to be 35 C or more.

“Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions,” the statement says.

People are advised to drink water even before feeling thirsty and to stay in cool places as much as possible. They’re also asked to check on friends and family. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

More details on the heat warning are available here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.