Environment Canada issues new heat warning

Get ready for another scorcher.

With the daytime high forecast to hit 36 C by Sunday, Environment Canada issued a warning Tuesday afternoon for extreme heat across the Central Interior.

"An extended period of high temperatures will continue as a ridge of high pressure remains over the region. Little relief is expected at night with elevated overnight temperatures. Current guidance indicates high temperatures moderating early next week.

"Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility."

The advisory offers tips for Prince George residents:

• Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space.
• Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, unusually dark urine) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies.
• Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
• Ask a health professional, such as a pharmacist or physician, how medications or health conditions can affect your risk in the heat.
• Anyone working in the heat should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool or shaded space.
• Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.