Overview

• Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for much of southern B.C., warning that a ridge of high pressure will trigger sustained warmth starting Saturday.
• Daytime highs are forecast in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius along the South Coast, climbing to 34 C in the Okanagan and 35 C in Kamloops by early next week as overnight lows remain in the low to mid-teens.
• Health authorities recommend keeping dwellings cool by closing curtains or blinds and using fans to draw in cooler air from outdoors.
• Officials advise residents to monitor for heat illness symptoms such as heavy sweating, cramps and fainting and to check on vulnerable groups including seniors, children and those with pre-existing conditions.
• The BC SPCA cautions that leaving pets in hot vehicles, even briefly, can be life-threatening and urges owners to never leave animals unattended in cars.