4:33 AM PDT Sunday 4 August 2024 Heat Warning in effect for: South Okanagan - including Penticton This is a heat warning. Temperatures are very high and there is a moderate risk to public health. Where: Fraser Canyon, Okanagan Valley, South Thompson, Boundary, West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, East Kootenay. When: Now until Monday morning. Remarks: A strong ridge of high pressure remains in place over the region. Daytime highs will continue to reach the mid thirties with overnight lows expected to be in the high teens. The above average heat will persist until Monday morning when the temperatures are expected to cool below the 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. 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 .