Expected daytime temperatures this week of up to around 40 C prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue a heat warning for the South Okanagan.
Summerland, Penticton, and Osoyoos are under a heat warning, as of Aug. 26, and will remain so "through to the end of the week" due to temperatures between 35 and 39 C, ECCC said.
"Temperatures are very high and there is a moderate risk to public health," the federal weather warning reads.
The mid-to-late 30s C daytime marks are expected to be combined with overnight lows near 18 C, ECCC added.
"A ridge of high pressure anchored over B.C. is bringing very high temperatures to the region this week," the warning continued. "Cloud cover tonight will keep temperatures elevated, offering little relief overnight and into Wednesday morning."
The same warning was also issued on Tuesday for the Fraser Canyon and South Thompson.
A "gradual cooling trend" is expected at the end of this week, ECCC said.
In its statement, the federal agency also stressed to people to check on family, friends, and neighbours, who are at higher risk, to make sure they have a cool space.
"Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature, and the worsening of some health conditions," it reads. "Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle."
WorkSafeBC, meanwhile, issued a safety reminder on Tuesday to South Okanagan employers in response to rising temperatures.
It said between 2020 and 2024, a total of 315 heat-related injury claims were accepted, with the highest numbers in transportation, public works, construction, food services, and film and television production.
鈥淒uring the hot summer months, the risk of heat stress increases in indoor workplaces without air conditioning and at most outdoor worksites,鈥� said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC. 鈥淗eat stress can lead to serious health problems, but it鈥檚 a preventable injury.鈥�
Want to beat the heat this week in Penticton?
Along with the city's splash pads, including its recently upgraded facility on the east end of Skaha Lake Park, a
New water fills stations have also opened this summer at the following Penticton locations:
鈥� Riverside Park
鈥� Lakeshore Drive (near Power Street)
鈥� Okanagan Lake Park
鈥� Penticton City Hall
鈥� Skaha Lake Park (by the east washrooms)
鈥� Lion鈥檚 Park
鈥� King鈥檚 Park
鈥� Kinney Parkette
鈥� Penticton Public Library & Museum
