B.C. Interior regions under heat warning, temperatures expected to hit up to 38 C
It will be a scorching Friday with temperatures hovering in the mid-20s across most of BC, but mercury is expected to reach the high 30s in the interior of BC.
A heat warning is in effect for BC Hinterlands on Friday, including North Thompson, South Thompson, Okanagan, South Fraser Canyon and the Boundary region.
“It’s going to be a hot weekend,” said global BC weather anchor Stephanie Florian.
“Temperatures may hit their highest on (Saturday).”
Temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius in the Okanagan, which straddles Armstrong and Osoyoos, so locals should prepare.
“(Friday) will continue to be unseasonably hot. Daytime temperatures will drop to the low 30s this weekend,” Environment Canada warned.
Daytime highs are expected to hit 38 degrees Celsius in the border region on Friday, making it the hottest temperature in the state.
In South Thompson, daytime temperatures will be close to 36 degrees Celsius. North Thompson will be slightly cooler, hovering around 32°C.
The heat is expected to continue through the weekend.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, and those working or exercising outdoors,” said Environment Canada.
“Check on your elderly family members, friends and neighbors. Make sure the water is cold and drinkable.”
Following Environment Canada’s weather warnings, Interior Health cautioned that rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
According to health organizations, those most at risk are:
- Older people, especially those over the age of 60
- people living alone
- people with pre-existing health conditions
- people with mental illness
- people with substance use disorders
- people with limited mobility or other disabilities
- People living in barely-there housing
- people working in hot environments
- pregnant person
- infants and toddlers
Interior Health said people should stay hydrated, rest during the hottest hours of the day, stay in the shade and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission people are acutely aware of the heat needs of the homeless and are reaching out to the community for assistance.
They are calling on communities to help protect people on the streets by donating hydration supplies like bottled water and electrolytes, sunscreen, umbrellas and frozen foods to Kelowna’s Gospel Mission at 251 Leon Avenue, Kelowna.
— with files from Kathy Michaels and Doyle Potenteau
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
