(CFJC Today/File photo).
Extreme Heat Incoming

Kamloops expecting temperatures in the 40s this weekend, no relief on the way

Jun 21, 2021 | 1:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — A long stretch of hot and dry weather Kamloops typically sees in July and August showed up earlier than normal.

Environment and Climate Change Canada projects Kamloops to be sunny throughout the week – minus some clouds on Wednesday (June 21) – and temperatures staying above 30 and climbing to the 40s this weekend.

Meteorologist Terri Lang said it doesn’t look like any weather relief will be on the way.

“There may be some cooling down after that intense heat, but it’s not going to be much of a cooling, maybe back to low 30s again,” Lang said. “Looking at the longer-range forecast, the big upper ridge that’s causing this has parked itself is not showing signs of breaking down. None of that rain or anything to get in the mid-20s where it feels a lot cooler. It’s going to be a long stretch of hot and dry.”

CFJC Today’s extended weather forecast for Kamloops between June 21 and 28 (CFJC Today/AccuWeather).

The risk of wildfires within the Kamloops Fire Centre increases as the hot and dry weather lingers in what Lang described as a far dryer June than normal. She said a wildfire can start with something as small as a discarded cigarette. She discouraged recreational fire activity – such as a campfire — and encouraged extra caution for those who must deal with fires.

For people’s health, Lang said multiple days of heat can wear down the body, especially if they’re not recovering at night. She said people should avoid being outside during the peak hot times of the day when temperatures reach extreme heat, such as the 40s expected for the weekend.

“Try and do the stuff you need to do outside during the cooler times of the day: the morning and evening,” she said. “Try and find those places where you can cool off. We found it a little bit harder to tell people advice during COVID-19 times. Normally, we’d tell them to sit in a movie theatre or shopping mall, but COVID-19 has made it a little more difficult for some of those people to find places where they can cool off.

Lang encouraged residents to be mindful of young children and animals in heat, and to check in on the elder population.

Anyone can check on the latest weather conditions online.