Times-Chronicle Staff

Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for the Okanagan (North, Central, and South), and Similkameen Valleys prompting, warnings of heat-related illness.

An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure will develop over British Columbia likely resulting in record-breaking temperatures from Saturday, June 26 to Tuesday, June 29. Also affected are the Fraser Canyon, Nicola, South Thompson, Shuswap, Boundary, and West Kootenay regions.

The weather agency says the duration of this heatwave is “concerning” as there will be little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures. Daytime highs are forecast to range from 35 to 40 degrees celsius combined with overnight lows of 20 to 22 degrees celsius.

This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses and increase the risk of wildfires due to drought conditions.

Please consider the following 10 tips from Interior Health Authority to stay safe and cool during this and subsequent extreme heat events.

10 steps to avoid heat-related illness:
• Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (or later), to avoid the most intense sun.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Water is the best choice.
• Avoid physical work or exercise outside in the heat of the day.
• If you must work or exercise outside, drink two to four glasses of water each hour, even before you feel thirsty.
• Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade.
• Apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage but remember this doesn’t protect from the heat.
• Stay in the shade, or create your own shade with lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and/or an umbrella.
• If you’re struggling to keep cool, move indoors to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30°C, fans alone may not be able to prevent heat-related illness.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52°C within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34°C. Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
• Regularly check older adults, infants, and children, those doing a lot of physical activity or working outside, and people with chronic disease or mental illness for signs of heat-related illness. Make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people whose judgment may be impaired.

For more information:
• Local news for health and safety updates.
• Information from Interior Health on heat-related illness or HealthLinkBC online resources.
• Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.