4:38 AM PDT Thursday 1 August 2024 Heat Warning in effect for: South Okanagan - including Penticton An extended period of hot temperatures is expected. Where: South Fraser Canyon, Okanagan , Manning-Skagit Valley, South Thompson, Kootenay Lake, East Kootenay. When: Now until the end of the weekend. Remarks: A strong ridge of high pressure is building over the region. This will cause daytime highs to reach the mid to upper thirties. Overnight lows are expected to be in the high teens. The above average heat is expected to persist until the end of the weekend at which time the ridge will break down and temperatures will cool. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. 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. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. To get more information: - Check the local news for health and safety updates. - Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness . - Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness. 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. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm .