School may be back in session this week but Mother Nature is holding on to summer for a little bit longer.
On Sept. 2, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for Kamloops, Ashcroft, Barriere, Lytton, and west to nearly Pemberton.
Over the next three days, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 35 C with an overnight low of 18 C, stated the government weather agency.
"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," said Environment Canada.
In addition, wildfires in the west Cariboo have caused an air quality statement for Quesnel, Prince George, Bella Coola, Fort St. John, and more of the northern region as of Tuesday, Sept. 2.
The smoky conditions are expected to last for 24-48 hours.
Meanwhile, a late-summer heatwave has triggered another heat warning for Terrace and the north coast, with temperatures forecast to reach 30 degrees Celsius through Thursday, Sept. 4 before cooling off heading into the weekend.
Environment Canada’s advisory, issued early Sept. 2, said the hot spell is being driven by a ridge of high pressure anchored over the province.
“Temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 13 degrees Celsius are expected for the next 3 days,” the warning said. “A gradual cooling trend is expected by the end of the week.”
The heat warning applies to Terrace and surrounding inland areas including Kitimat. As with last week’s advisory, many northwest communities further east are forecast to see similar conditions but are not included in the official warning map.
Residents are advised to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable, and to watch for signs of heat-related illness, including heavy sweating, rashes, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and worsening of existing conditions.
Environment Canada and local medical health officers recommend taking precautions such as seeking shade, using water to cool off, or finding an air-conditioned space in public buildings if needed.
