Heat warnings in northeast B.C. extended overnight

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northeast B.C. residents are being told to prepare for a few additional hours of extreme heat.

Environment Canada’s heat warnings for the Peace region and Fort Nelson area have been extended to last overnight on Friday, August 1st.

Temperatures are expected to remain near 30 C, with humidex values past 35 C throughout the day. 

In the evening, temperatures will remain higher than average with a low of 16 C across both areas and a risk of thunderstorms.

Beginning on Saturday, August 2nd, daytime temperatures are expected to decline into the mid 20s, and continue to slowly drop into the low 20s over the following week, with nighttime lows as cold as 9 C in some areas.

According to Environment Canada, heat can disproportionately affect the health of seniors, people living alone, those with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, people with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, people dealing with substance abuse and individuals with limited mobility.

“Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space,” the warning reads. “Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.”

Residents are also encouraged to keep their homes cool using air conditioning, if possible, and to block heat and sunlight with curtains and blinds.

If their homes become uncomfortably hot, they’re urged to visit public cooling centres. 

Fort St. John residents can visit the Pomeroy Sport Centre to cool off. In Dawson Creek, the Nawican Bergeron Youth and Culture Centre on 17th Street is available as a cooling centre, while the Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre is available for Fort Nelson residents.