PHOTOS: Anticipate a spicy few days in the Interior

We finally breached 30°C in the Interior for the first time this year, and those average seasonal temperatures are here to stay.

As spring came to an end, we saw increased precipitation and lower temperatures and while it seemed like we’d never get a full sunny day, that wait is finally over.

Now that we’re officially in summer, Environment Canada is predicting some spicy weather in the next few days.

As a result, EC issued a special weather statement for the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan and South Okanagan as we enter our first hot stretch of the summer.

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As daytime high’s for Monday, June 27 rise into the low to mid 30’s with overnight lows down to the mid-teens.

Freezing levels rise throughout this stretch of heat and will lead to an increase in snowmelt and snowpack instability, meaning an increased stream flow due to run-off is possible.

Temperatures are expected to return to near-normal values by the middle of this week as a cooler, unsettled airmass pushes onshore.

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Kelowna

Monday, June 27 - Sunny and a high of 33°C

Tuesday, June 28 - 60% chance of showers and a high of 27°C

Wednesday, June 29 - Sun and cloud and a high of 23°C

Thursday, June 30 - Sunny and a high of 27°C

Friday, July 1 - Sunny and a high of 30°C

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Kamloops

Monday, June 27 - Mainly sunny and a high of 35°C

Tuesday, June 28 - 40% chance of showers and a high of 25°C

Wednesday, June 29 - Sun and cloud and a high of 25°C

Thursday, June 30 - Sunny and a high of 29°C

Friday, July 1 - Sunny and a high of 30°C

Penticton

Monday, June 27 - Mainly sunny and a high of 35°C

Tuesday, June 28 - 60% chance of showers and a high of 26°C

Wednesday, June 29 - Sun and cloud and a high of 23°C

Thursday, June 30 - Sunny and a high of 27°C

Friday, July 1 - Sunny and a high of 30°C

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With elevated temperatures, the risk for heat-related illness also increases.

Interior Health provided a few ways that individuals can cool off if things get too warm this week.

• If you do not have air conditioning at home, find an air-conditioned spot close by where you can cool off on hot days. Consider places in your community to spend time such as movie theatres, libraries, community centres, or shopping malls.
• Check that you have a working fan. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works.
• Shut windows and close curtains or blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and to prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Open doors and windows when it is cooler outside to move that cooler air indoors.
• Spray your body down with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath, or sit with part of your body in water to cool down if you are feeling too hot.
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not feeling thirsty

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest, and use water to cool your body.

In the event of a medical emergency, British Columbians are advised to call 9-1-1. However, it is also important to use 9-1-1 responsibly to avoid overwhelming the system.