With near-record temperatures in the Kamloops area this week, people are being reminded once again to take precautions, especially if they’re going to be spending a lot of time outside.
Temperatures could reach 40 C this weekend, and Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan says to watch out for things like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Which can happen to literally anybody out there and there’s so many symptoms that are not very pleasant, and also thinking about who is most at risk – the older adults and also infants and young children, folks with chronic illness and then everybody that works outside or people recreating outside who maybe aren’t able to withstand that heat as well,” he said.
Castellan says the UV Index in the Kamloops area this week is “off the scale” at 11 or extreme.
“The sun is at the highest its going to be in the sky, there’s going to be very little in the way of clouds, so its a good recommendation there to be drinking lots of water but also trying to stay cool by wearing the right kind of loose fitting, light coloured clothing,” he added.
“You know, also avoid being in the direct sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and all of those things, I think, really need to be taken into consideration this week.”
The hottest its ever been in Kamloops was 41.7 degrees, back on July 27, 1939 and again on July 16, 1941.
The acting Chief Medical Health Officer of Interior Health, Dr. Sue Pollock, echoes the sentiments raised by Environment Canada.
“Excessive heat exposure can lead to weakness, disorientation and exhaustion,” she said. “In severe cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency.”
Symptoms to watch out for include pale, cool, or moist skin, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, a rash, swelling, especially hands and feet, fatigue and weakness, light headedness and/or fainting, headache, and nausea and/or vomiting
“More severe symptoms – including high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention,” Pollock added. “Call 911, move to a cool place, and cool the person with water and fanning.”
For more tips from Interior Health on preventing a heat stroke or heat exhaustion, go here.
