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Heat warning issued for most of region
Environment Canada today (August 2) issued a heat warning for most of the East Kootenay.
An extended period of hot temperatures is expected in the Cranbrook/Kimberley, South Country, Columbia Valley and Creston areas until the end of the weekend.
“A strong ridge of high pressure is building over the region. This will cause daytime highs to reach the mid to upper thirties and the overnight lows are expected to be in the high teens,” Environment Canada forecasted.
“The above average heat will persist until the end of the weekend when the temperatures are expected to cool below warning criteria.”
Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with 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. Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, unusually dark urine) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Ask a health professional, such as a pharmacist or physician, how medications or health conditions can affect your risk in the heat.
Anyone working in the heat should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool or shaded space. Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
The heat warning does not include the Elk Valley or Kootenay National Park, though temperatures in those areas are expected to reach the mid 30s.
There is a smoke alert for the Golden area and smoke has also made its way into the Cranbrook/Kimberley areas today.
e-KNOW file photo
