Image Credit: Chad Klassen / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Kamloops residents urged to take heat seriously, as temperature climbs into the weekend

Jun 25, 2021 | 3:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — While Kamloops is used to sunny, hot weather, Environment Canada warns this kind of heat wave has never hit the area. Meteorologist Armel Castellan says people are facing a real risk.

“We’re projecting six days of 40 or above for Kamloops. That’s never been seen before — not in our records.”

Castellan urges residents to take the heat seriously — staying hydrated, checking in on loved ones who may not have A/C, and avoiding outdoor activities during the peak heat hours. According to Environment Canada forecasting, there won’t be much respite for the rest of July either.

“Yes we are going to climb down from these extreme, extreme temperatures. But we’re likely to stay above normal or above the seasonal average for the foreseeable future,” explains Castellan. “I can’t see one drop of rain in the next two weeks. Maybe a thunderstorm in there — that would be good as long as it is wet. We don’t want dry lightning.”

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As the city prepares for the historically hot weather, the air conditioning inside the Sandman Centre is ready to welcome residents who need a break from the heat.

City Social Housing and Community Development Manager Carmin Mazzotta says the makeshift oasis will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day until the temperatures lower.

“Really at this point any of those days where the temperature is above 35 and not dropping under 18 at night, we’ll continue to have Sandman Centre open and be continuing to provide water in the community.”

With masks required and COVID-19 protocols in effect, the arena is open to the public as a reprieve, and Mazzotta notes they’re also offering bottles of water to those who come in.

“And then also what we’re doing is our community service officers are going to be out on patrol throughout the next while during the day and having water bottles on them, making sure that folks are staying hydrated and encouraging folks to get out of the sun and keep cool where possible.”

In addition, a cooling station has been set up down the street at Memorial Arena (740 Victoria Street). In a Facebook post, the Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops branch says this will be set up for 24-hours-a-day for those in need.

As the heat sets in for the weekend, Environment Canada says it may be time to adjust outdoor plans and take it easy.