Alberta and B.C. Heat Warning
On Saturday afternoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a comprehensive heat warning for Alberta. Starting Sunday, temperatures are set to soar close to 30 degrees Celsius as an upper ridge builds over the province.
By Wednesday, many regions will experience daytime highs around 35 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, overnight lows in the mid-teens will provide little relief, according to ECCC.
ECCC Advisory:
“Residents and visitors in the warned regions should take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbours:
- Reschedule outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
- Take frequent breaks from the heat and spend time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
- Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
- Check for children or pets before exiting your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, even for a short time.
“Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
“Pay special attention to individuals who can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat, including infants, children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, and those who are socially isolated.
“Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”
Heat Warning Expanded to B.C.’s Southern Interior
A heat warning that began earlier this week on Vancouver Island and the North Coast has now been extended to B.C.’s Southern Interior.
On Saturday morning, Environment Canada stated that regions including the Fraser Canyon, Similkameen, Okanagan, Thompson, and South Cariboo will experience hot weather lasting until at least Wednesday. Residents in these areas can expect temperatures to reach the high 30s and possibly low 40s, with overnight lows dipping into the high teens.
Global Okanagan Weather forecasts that on Saturday, temperatures will peak around 32 degrees Celsius in the Central Okanagan, rising to 35 degrees on Sunday. Monday through Wednesday will see highs of 37 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). AccuWeather projects highs of 39 degrees Celsius for Tuesday and 38 degrees on Wednesday in Kelowna, with the South Okanagan seeing temperatures of 41 degrees and 39 degrees on those days.
Preparation and Fire Safety Reminders
With plenty of time to prepare for the heat, many agencies throughout the Interior have been issuing reminders on staying prepared for hot weather and being fire-smart. Last Sunday, the Kamloops Fire Centre had fire-danger ratings of low and very low. As of Saturday morning, they have risen to low and moderate, with some pockets of high.
For more heat health advice, visit:albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx
