The first extended spell of hot, dry weather of the season has hit many parts of B.C., including the Southern Interior, with several communities hitting all-time highs over the weekend of June 6.
On Sunday, June 8 Lytton hit 39.3 C, setting a new daily record (the previous high for June 8, 38.5 C, was set in 2023; records have been kept in the area since 1921). Other area communities that also set new records on June 8 include:
Ashcroft: 38.6 C (old record was 37.9 set in 2023; records kept in area since 1944)
Clinton: 31.6 C (old record of 30.5 C set in 2023; records kept in area since 1974)
Kamloops: 37 C (old record of 35.7 C set in 2023; records kept in area since 1890)
Williams Lake: 31.4 C (old record of 30.7 C set in 2023; records kept in area since 1960)
With summer not yet officially here, and the hottest days of the year still to come, health experts recommend that people who are most at risk from extreme heat — including children, seniors, and vulnerable residents — take some additional precautions. Family, friends, and neighbours are encouraged to check in on older residents, particularly those living alone, to ensure they are keeping cool and well hydrated.
Local governments in Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and Clinton, as well as the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, will use the Voyent Alert! notification system to issue extreme heat warnings. You can download the free Voyent Alert! app for your smartphone or handheld device, or sign up online by going to https://voyent-alert.com/.
The dual focus during high temperatures is to keep your house or room cool, and to keep the body cool. To cool rooms, ensure that blinds and drapes are closed during the heat of the day, and keep the windows closed until the temperature outside is cooler than the temperature inside. When temperatures drop in the evening, open the windows, blinds, and drapes to let the cool air in.
If you have air conditioning, ensure it is turned on and working properly, and that all windows and doors are closed. If you do not have air conditioning, have a fan or fans running to help circulate cooler air. Remember, however, that while fans can help you feel more comfortable, they do not work to lower body temperature for older people, or for temperatures over 35 C.
Eligible households can apply for a free air conditioning unit through the portable AC program offered by the Energy Conservation Assistance Program and BC Hydro. If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program, you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner. You can learn more about the program, and see if you are eligible, by going to https://bit.ly/3ZZjV6X.
Identify places in your community where you can go to cool off, such as the library. Many communities also operate cooling centres during extreme heat; contact your local government for details.
To cool the body, ensure you drink plenty of cool liquids and eat as much as possible. Appetite may decrease during the hot weather, but keeping up fluid intake is crucial.
Apply a cold cloth to your face, wrists, and the back of the neck, or spray your body with water; placing wrists under cold running water or taking a cool or tepid shower can also be helpful. Ensure you wear cool cotton or other natural, breathable clothing.
Avoid going outside in the daytime. If you must go out, ensure you are protected from the sun with clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed a hat. If you want to garden or take the dog for a walk, do it early in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening.
Children should not be playing outdoors in the heat of the day unless they are in a shaded area, and should wear sunscreen at all times. If they’re chilling out in a pool or lake, make sure the sunscreen is re-applied as necessary.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very serious, so know the signs and symptoms; you can find out about both by visiting HealthLinkBC at https://bit.ly/4kX9wRo. Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache, and dizziness, while signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, and extreme thirst. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, fainting or decreased consciousness, or a high body temperature that cannot be lowered.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so if it occurs, call 9-1-1 immediately. For less threatening situations, call 8-1-1, where you will be connected with a health care professional who can provide advice.
