File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve / James Peters

SUMMER HEAT

Heat warning in place for Kamloops; Interior Health asks residents to help check on those more vulnerable

Jul 5, 2024 | 5:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — A heat warning has been expanded to include the majority of the southern Interior of B.C., including Kamloops, Merritt and the Shuswap.

Environment Canada says the elevated temperatures expected in these areas through next week could present a moderate risk to public health.

Once the calendar flips to Sunday (July 7) this weekend, Environment Canada is forecasting highs trending upward of 40 degrees and not drooping below 36 until at least Thursday (July 11). Overnight lows are predicted to remain in the high teens.

It will be the first prolonged heat wave of the summer in Kamloops. The heat will pose a health risk as residents look to be outdoors and enjoy the summer. With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke.

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“Once people progress into heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, they will start to actually have more red skin, they may stop sweating, become disoriented or confused. People in the heat stroke phase need to seek medical attention,” said Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock.

During the heat dome of 2021, 60 lives were lost in the Interior of B.C., most of whom were elderly people living alone without air conditioning. As the heat intensifies this weekend, residents are asked to check in on those that could be more vulnerable.

“We really recommend that people have a buddy system in place during extreme heat, and you could have a buddy who might be a family member or friend or neighbour across the street. And develop a plan to check in on them,” said Pollock. “Maybe somebody that doesn’t have air conditioning and lives alone and then you can reach out to them during extreme heat to make sure they are doing okay and ask if they need any supports.”