With temperatures above 35 degrees, and the overnight lows not expected to dip below 18, the City of Kamloops has decided to launch its extreme heat protocols.

“The City of Kamloops is opening the concourse at Sandman Centre to provide residents with temporary relief from the hot temperatures following the announcement of a heat warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada,” said the City of Kamloops in a news release on Saturday morning.

The Sandman Centre will open its concourse from noon to 8pm this Saturday.

It will likely remain available for people to beat the heat on Sunday as well, with the forecast calling for temperatures of around 37 degrees in Kamloops.

“In addition to the cooling centre, the City is working with community partners to ensure bottled water is available for distribution to people at risk for heat-related illnesses,” said the City. “Community Service Officers will be watching for signs of heat-related illness and distributing water during their patrols, and they will encourage people to find reprieve from the heat wherever possible.”

The City of Kamloops also notes there are other avenues for people to find relief from the heat.

“A number of outdoor heat relief options are available, including water parks, drinking fountains with potable water, and washrooms with potable water at various park locations throughout the city,” said the City.   “For a list of outdoor locations with heat relief amenities, visit Kamloops.ca/Heat.”

In the Interior Health region, a heat warning is issued when daytime temperatures are above 35-degrees for two consecutive days, and overnight temperatures remain above 18-degrees.

Temperatures in this range are particularly dangerous for people whose homes don’t have air conditioning, as well as other “vulnerable populations,” according to the City, including the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness, and people experiencing homelessness.

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbours and loved ones who may not be able to leave their homes or whose judgement may be impaired.