It’s going to be a hellaciously hot BC Day long weekend in the East Kootenay.

Environment Canada has once again issued a heat warning for the Cranbrook and Kimberley/southern East Kootenay areas as a heat wave continues to roll over the province.

Daytime high temperatures are expected to rise to 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, while early morning low temperatures will be 18 to 22 degrees Celsius between now and Sunday (July 31).
“A strong ridge of high pressure continues to bring a heat wave to British Columbia this week. A gradual cooling trend is expected early next week. Current guidance indicates temperatures returning to seasonal normals on Tuesday,” Environment Canada stated.

Locations expected to receive the greatest heat: East Kootenay – south including Cranbrook and Kimberley, West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake/Creston, West Columbia, Slocan Lake, Boundary, Arrow Lakes, Okanagan Valley, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon, Nicola, South Thompson and Shuswap.

The hottest time of the day will be late afternoon to early evening. The coolest time of the day will be near the sunrise.

While the heat warning does not include the Columbia and Elk Valleys, day time highs in both parts of the region will be in the low to mid 30s, while Kootenay National Park could get as hot as 30 C.

Extreme heat affects everyone. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.

e-KNOW

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