Expect the hot weather to continue in the Okanagan this week.

(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)

Get ready for a summer heatwave. 

Environment Canada has extended its special weather statement continued for the South Thompson, Nicola, Similkameen, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Boundary and North Thompson.

The first heat of the season is starting Monday,

Beginning this weekend, a strong ridge of high pressure will build over the southern interior of B.C. leading to seasonably hot conditions.

"Temperatures will start to climb this weekend. By Monday afternoon daytime highs will soar to the mid - upper 30 C with the hot air persisting until Tuesday or Wednesday," according to the press release from Environment Canada.

"Overnight minimums during that stretch will only dip into the mid-teens. providing little relief from the heat which can lead to an increase in heat related illnesses."

By Wednesday, temperatures will begin to moderate as the ridge of high pressure breaks down.

The public is advised to take measures to prevent overheating including:

• Stay cool and hydrated, particularly during the hottest period of the day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Limit outdoor activity during the day to early morning and evening.
• Dress for the weather by wearing loose, light-weight clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Keep your home cool. Open windows, close shades or blinds, use an air conditioner and prepare meals that do not require an oven.
• NEVER leave children or pets alone in a parked car.

Environment Canada issues heat warnings for the southern B.C. interior when we expect two consecutive days of maximums of 35 C or higher with an overnight minimum of 18 C or higher.

The latest status and details on all alerts, including alerts that are not part of your subscription, can be found here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020