The heat warning issued by Environment Canada on Thursday (Aug. 1) remains in effect on Friday and is in place throughout the entire August long weekend.
"A strong ridge of high pressure is building over the region," said Environment Canada's statement. "The above average heat is expected to persist until the end of the weekend at which time the ridge will break down and temperatures will cool."
On Friday, temperatures could reach 38 C across the entire Okanagan region. The high on Saturday and Sunday is 35 C. And get those fans and air conditioners ready when it's bedtime as the low the next couple of nights ranges from 18 C to 21 C.
The warning, which was extended at 6:01 a.m., covers the South Okanagan, extends through the Central Okanagan, and reaches Armstrong. Additionally, the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson, Boundary, West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, and East Kootenay are all also under the heat warning.
Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Chase, and Revelstoke are not under the heat warning. However, Revelstoke and Nakusp are under a special air quality statement for the next 24-48 hours due to recent wildfires in the area.
Environment Canada reminds the public to watch out heat-related illnesses like heavy sweating, cramps, fainting, rash, a higher body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Long exposure in the heat can cause heat stroke.
Young children, pets, and people susceptible to the heat should not be left inside vehicles. Make sure family, friends, and neighbours who are high-risk to the heat are in a cool or shady place.
Those who have been in the heat too long or in an over-heated area should find a shaded area, an air-conditioned spot, or a place with a misting station.
In Revelstoke and Nakusp's case, people should limit time outdoors and should consider reducing strenuous activity.
"People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include seniors, pregnant women and pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition," said Environment Canada's statement. "Those who are more likely to be impacted should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors or seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms."
