Environment Canada Issues Heat Wave Warning for the Okanagan

It’s going to be dry and sweltering over the weekend of June 26th, as hot desert air creeps into Interior British Columbia.

Residents in the South Okanagan, including Penticton, are expected to feel record breaking high temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius over Saturday and Sunday. According to Environment Canada, these temperatures are 15 degrees above normal for the end of June.

Photo Credit: Environment Canada.

Temperatures in the following Interior B.C. regions will also soar high above normal:

• Boundary
• Cariboo
• Fraser Canyon
• Nicola
• Okanagan Valley
• Prince George
• West Kootenay

Following this weekend’s heat wave, temperatures will cool slightly by Monday, as a weak weather disturbance is expected to interrupt the heat but will bring with it the potential for scattered thunderstorms.

Despite the small break in heat, stifling conditions will return on Canada Day.

Soaring temperatures can be dangerous especially if you have heart problems and breathing difficulties. It’s important to drink plenty of water and fluids, even when you don’t feel thirsty.

Heat-related illness can occur when your body is unable to cool itself down faster than it is gaining heat. Illness can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. In severe cases, heat-related illness can lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• pale, cool, moist skin;
• heavy sweating;
• muscle cramps;
• rash;
• swelling, especially hands and feet;
• fatigue and weakness;
• dizziness and/or fainting;
• headache;
• nausea and/or vomiting;
• fever, particularly a core body temperature of 40°C (104°F) or more;
• confusion and decreased mental alertness;
• hallucinations;
• red, hot, dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke);
• seizures; and
• unconsciousness/coma.

For more information on how to prevent heat-related illness, visit the HealthLink BC website.