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Heat and smoke warnings in effect for region
This may qualify for the ‘well duh’ news announcement of the year (unless you are locked away in a well air conditioned basement) but Environment Canada has issued a heat warning and a smoky skies warning for the East Kootenay.
It doesn’t matter where in the region one may be today, it is blazing hot and the air is thick with smoke.
A ridge of high pressure slowly moving eastward over the southern Interior will result in continued hot weather today, Environment Canada reported.
Daytime maximum temperatures will reach 35 degrees at many localities with a few spots nearing the 40 degree mark again. Overnight minimum temperatures will only recover to the upper teens.
At 3 p.m. today the temperature in Gold Creek (higher in elevation than Cranbrook) was 38 C.
Significant cooling will occur on Saturday as a cold front moves through the area. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water
Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.
Temperatures are expected to drop to about 30 C for most of the region tomorrow (August 11) and then fall even further on Sunday and Monday as chances of showers grow to 30 and 40%.
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