Heat warning issued for Okanagan Valley

The entire Okanagan Valley is expected to get baked by some very hot weather this week.

Environment Canada issued a Heat Warning for the Okanagan just after 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 19.

Daytime temperatures for Thursday and Friday are expected to reach between 35 and 38 degrees, with overnight lows near 18.

The weather agency warns heat events can affect everyone, but can be particularly harmful to children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.

People are advised to stay hydrated and seek out cool places and air-conditioned spaces.

People are also advised to check on older family, friends or neighbours to ensure they are staying cool and safe, and to never leave people or pets inside parked vehicles.

The hot period is expected to persist for two days, and daytime temperatures are forecasted to drop to the low-30s in the weekend.

The heat warning also affects the southern Fraser Canyon.