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Heat warning issued for the Sea to Sky corridor

Temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius in Whistler and Pemberton this week
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HEAT WAVE: A temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius was enough to earn Pemberton a tie with Osoyoos for the hottest spot in Canada on Monday afternoon. Bee Calder/Unsplash.com

Temperatures in the Sea to Sky corridor are expected to soar this week, prompting Environment and Climate Change Canada to issue heat warnings for Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish and Squamish-Lillooet Regional Districts (SLRD) C and D.

An extended spell of hot summer weather across the South Coast will see temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius in Whistler and Pemberton. According to Environment Canada, Pemberton Airport was tied with Osoyoos for the hottest spot in the country with a sweltering temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius on Monday afternoon, July 23.

"Maximum temperatures near the water will peak in the mid- to high-twenties each day, while inland temperatures soar into low to mid-thirties," read the alert.

"Overnight relief will be limited with low temperatures in the mid-teens. Temperatures are also expected to increase slightly by the weekend. While these temperatures are not out of the ordinary for this time of the year, this is the first extended period of heat this summer."

Heat warnings are typically issued when extremely high temperature or humid conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

To that end, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Medical Health Officers are reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat. The alert recommends staying hydrated by drinking cold beverages-preferably water-spending time in an air-conditioned space for at least several hours each day, and staying in the shade and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to avoid sunburns.

It also reminds people to never leave other people or pets in a parked car.

Symptoms of heat illness can include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some other already-existing health conditions.

Heat stroke can be a medical emergency. If you feel dizzy or disoriented, seek medical attention, call 911 or your local emergency number. If someone has a high temperature, is unconscious or confused or has stopped sweating, cool the person down immediately, as well.

For more information, head to https://weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=BC or call HealthLinkBC at 811.