Temperatures are in the mid 30s this week, but not severe enough to prompt the District of Hope to open a cooling centre for the community.
Environment Canada has Hope and the rest of the Fraser Valley under a ‘heat warning,’ with daytime highs at 31C to 38C inland and 25C to 30C near the ocean.
That trend is expected to last until this Sunday.
Distict of Hope CAO John Fortoloczky said heat warnings pose moderate health impacts on residents.
“Should the warning move to become a heat emergency, or potential impacts become more serious we are prepared to open one,” he told the Standard on Wednesday morning. “In the meantime, people are advised to follow Fraser Health recommended actions to keep cool. These have been posted on our website.”
People can check their website at hope.ca or follow them on Facebook.
He also said that seniors are being invited to the Canyon Golden Age Club at 560 Douglas Street. They recently purchased an air conditioner with the help of a grant. However on Wednesday, the clubhouse was closed and there was nobody answering the phone.
Environment Canada says extreme heat affects everyone but the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.
They advise residents in warmer climates to watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
A special air quality statement was also issued Wednesday for the region due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone that are expected to persist through the week.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention.
READ MORE: Smoke, pollution trigger air quality advisory in Lower Mainland
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