Heatwave advice coming from all levels of gov’t
Facing record high temperatures, local, provincial and federal governments and agencies are heating up the number of news releases and advisories, and even prompting heated political posturing.
Environment Canada issued heat warnings of temperatures up to 41 C for much of the Central and Southern Interior, noting 14 records were set around the province on Tuesday.
The oldest record to fall was in the Agassiz area of the Fraser Valley, where the mercury hit 36.5 C, almost one degree higher than the previous record set in 1899.
B.C. also claimed the top seven hottest locations in the country on Tuesday, including Lytton, which was the hot spot in Canada at 40.2 C.
It's the first time this year that B.C. has officially seen the heat climb above 40 C, although the scorcher was not a record for Lytton, which set the country's all-time high temperature of 49.6 C last year, one day before a wildfire destroyed the village.
Here's a run-down on local conditions and advisories by location.
KELOWNA
“There are places all around our community to cool off including libraries, shopping centres, spray parks and city facilities,” said Lance Kayfish, risk manager for the City of Kelowna, adding it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks either in the shade or indoors.
The following City of Kelowna air-conditioned locations are open to the public in need of cool spaces and access to water fountains: Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., stat holidays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Rutland Arena, 645 Dodd Rd., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (excluding the B.C. Day statutory holiday); Rutland Activity Centre, 765 Dodd Rd., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Capital News Centre, 4105 Gordon Dr., Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A designated day-use site with access to potable water, shade, food and peerled supports is in place near the intersection of the Okanagan Rail Trail and Gordon Drive for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Outreach teams are providing bottled water, sunscreen, hats and frozen washcloths as well as education about heat safety, drinking water locations and cooling opportunities.
A cooling tent is set up at the Queensway Bus Loop providing shade, water misters and drinking water daily 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. until at least Friday.
Kelowna residents can also stay cool at the following water and splashparks: City Park Waterpark, 1600 Abbott St., Ben Lee Waterpark, 900 Houghton Rd., and Quilchena Splash Park, 347 Quilchena Dr.
WEST KELOWNA
Cool off at a local beach or find some shade at one of the city’s parks. Take breaks away from the heat by visiting the Westbank Museum, Westbank Public Library or swimming at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre. Pop by an indoor Park Play Day at the West Kelowna Multi-Sport Centre.
In addition to beaches and indoor facilities, West Kelowna is also extending the hours of the Kids Care Spray Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice.
You can also visit Greater Westside businesses such as local shops, restaurants, wineries and breweries; watch a movie at a local theatre; or drop into a community centre.
West Kelowna officials are also reminding community members to check in on friends and loved ones frequently, especially those who are more susceptible to heat illness to ensure they are prepared for extreme heat and to help with emergency plans. For emergency planning tips and resources, go to PreparedBC.
To learn more, go to: westkelownacity.ca/extreme-heat
HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty.
• Spray your body with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath or sit with part of your body in water to cool down.
• Take it easy during the hottest hours of the day.
• Stay in the shade and use a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
• Take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating. Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.