B.C.’s Public Safety Ministry is asking people to have a heat plan ready as another hot spell of weather is moving into the province.

While the ministry says an extreme heat emergency is not expected, heat warnings are possible in some areas, starting as early as Saturday.

Environment Canada says daytime highs in Kamloops are expected to be around 33 to 34 C until Sunday, before potentially reaching 36 and 37 C on Monday and Tuesday of next week. With an overnight low of 18 C forecast on Monday night, it would be above the threshold needed for the City to activate its emergency heat response plan.

The City of Kamloops put out a call for volunteers to staff cooling centres from 12 noon until 8 p.m., with the Sandman Centre being the primary one.

Pending staff and volunteer availability, the City will also aim to open the Parkview Activity Centre and Valleyview Community Hall as additional cooling sites.

“When a cooling centre is activated, it is initially staffed by City employees; however, in the event of an extended heat event or a concurrent emergency, volunteers would be required to keep cooling centres open,” Recreation, Health and Wellness Supervisor, Linda Stride said.

The province says a heat plan is “critical” and people should identify cool zones in their homes and at nearby community centres or libraries.

It should also identify vulnerable family members and neighbours who are at risk of heat illnesses, and include ways to cool down, such as taking showers and drinking plenty of water.

The B.C. government also announced it would be using the Alert Ready system in the event of a extreme heat emergency like last year’s deadly heat dome that killed over 600 people in the province.

Temperatures throughout BC are on the rise, with heat warnings possible in some areas. Follow @ECCCWeatherBC forecasts and warnings. Take steps to prepare for the possibility of extreme heat: https://t.co/vuyPQkdtG2 #BCHeat pic.twitter.com/QEUeHjFJlT

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) July 20, 2022