The City of Penticton is preparing for an upcoming heat wave with next week’s temperatures expected to reach numbers in the mid-to-high 30s.
People are reminded to take extra precautions and check on neighbours who may be vulnerable. The city will be monitoring the conditions and are prepared to assist those who need help, including cooling opportunities. As well, bylaw officers and community safety officers will be providing bottled water to those in need.
“These temperatures will meet our heat-criteria warning, however, it is still unknown whether it will result in a heat emergency,” said Derek Lee, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The federal department issues heat warnings when temperatures reach 35 C during the day and 18 C at night. Emergencies, meanwhile, are dealt with on a provincial level, in conjunction with Environment Canada.
As of Wednesday afternoon, July 20, Penticton is expected to experience temperatures between 32 C and 35 C on Monday and Tuesday but according to Lee, people can expect to see those numbers rise in a hurry by the time the middle of next week comes around.
”With that heat building up, it’s very possible that our temperatures continue to rise through the middle of next week,” he said. “At least right now, we do have a few spots that are forecasting for 37 C or 38 C in the area next week.”
Lee warns that heat exhaustion could happen rapidly next week and urges people to identify cooling centres ahead of time before spending outside.
The city has seven water stations, including one on Main Street, Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake, the Seniors Centre and Dunant Park.
They also have dog park water taps at the Ellis Creek and Dartmouth dog parks.
Ahead of the potential heat, B.C. is encouraging people to map out a plan. This should include identifying cool places to go both inside and outside people’s homes, such as community centres and libraries. Cool showers and increased hydration can also help, they add.
As a result of 2021’s heat dome, 619 people died, the BC Coroners Service found. Of them, the majority were over 70 years old or had contributing health conditions.
“Heat-induced illnesses can affect anyone, despite their age,” Lee added. “We should all have a heat plan, meaning that we need ways to cool down and to stay hydrated.”
READ MORE: B.C. prepares for a heat wave
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