Temperatures are expected to soar this weekend across the South Cariboo and the broader Southern Interior Region.
On Friday, June 6, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement for parts of the province, including 100 Mile House, the North Thompson and Ashcroft. In its release, Environment Canada noted this is not a heat warning or extreme heat emergency, but this is the first stretch of consistently high temperatures this summer. As such, they are advising the public to take steps to ensure the health of themselves and their families and prepare for future heat events this summer.
"A ridge of high pressure is bringing high temperatures to the region. Daytime highs are expected to be in the high 20s with overnight lows in the low teens for the next couple of days; by Sunday and into early next week the daytime highs will be in the low 30s," Environment Canada said.
In 100 Mile House, temperatures are expected to rise to a high of 34 C on Sunday, June 8 and hover between 24C and 30C until Thursday, June 12. In Ashcroft and Clearwater, temperatures are also expected to hit a high of 34C on Sunday and remain in the low 30s until Thursday.
Environment Canada said the public can prepare for higher temperatures by keeping their homes cool. This can be done by blocking the sun with curtains or blinds, setting up fans to circulate cool air through your home and finding a cool place in your home to go during intense heat. They also recommend monitoring for the effect of heat illness, which can include heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some pre-existing health conditions.
"If you do not have air conditioning at home, find an air-conditioned space or shaded outdoor location close by where you can cool off on hot days," Environment Canada advises. "Consider places in your community where you can spend time, such as libraries, community centres, movie theatres, shopping malls, or recreation spaces, including the ocean, rivers or lakes."
If a heat warning is issued, Environment Canada said it is important to keep an eye on those most at risk of suffering from heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. These include older adults who live alone, people with severe mental illnesses, people with pre-existing health conditions, people with disabilities or limited mobility, people who are marginally housed, people who work in already hot environments, pregnant people and children.
Some ways to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses include staying in a cool space when possible, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, taking a cool shower or bath, taking it easy during the hottest parts of the day and wearing sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 or more when going outside.
Signs of overheating can include feeling unwell, headaches and dizziness. This can quickly lead to heat exhaustion whose symptoms include heavy sweating, a severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. If left untreated, this can escalate to heat stroke, whose signs include confusion, fainting and a high body temperature that cannot be lowered. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and those suffering from it should call 911 immediately.
The public is also recommended to follow Environment Canada's current weather alerts and other health advisories by going to weather.gc.ca. Extreme weather events or storms can be reported to Environment Canada by emailing BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or by posting reports on X using #BCStorm.
