Heat warning issued for the Okanagan

The forecast across the Okanagan for the rest of the week calls for hot days and essentially no reprieve at night.

As a result, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region, along with the Shuswap, South Thompson and Fraser Canyon.

Daytime highs in the mid-to-high 30s combined with overnight lows in the high teens prompted the alert from Environment Canada.

“Humidex values may approach the high thirties on Thursday over the Okanagan Valley and Shuswap as a southerly flow brings more moisture into the areas, increasing the humidity,” the alert notes.

According to Environment Canada, heat is particularly risky for seniors, people who live alone and people with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease.

It also affects those with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety, along with people struggling with substance use disorders or limited mobility.

“Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space,” the alert adds.

Environment Canada advises people to watch for early signs of heat illness like feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, a headache or unusually dark urine, as they can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies.

Anyone affected by the heat is told to move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.

To prevent the situation from getting to this point, drink plenty of water regularly and try to stay out of the sun.

While it looks like there could be a slight reprieve from the heat over the weekend, temperatures are expected to soar back into the mid-to-high 30s in many areas next week.