A heat warning has been issued for the Peace Region and Fort Nelson with temperatures expected to top 30 degrees.
Environment Canada said warm temperatures are expected across the region from Tuesday to Friday.
The City of Dawson Creek has opened a Cooling Centre to help residents stay safe during the heat wave.
The Cooling Centre is located at the Nawican Bergeron Youth and Culture Centre, and is opened from July 30 to august 1, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
The city says everyone is welcome to stop and cool down and grab a light refreshment.
Temperatures will reach 32 degrees on Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure has formed over the region. The high temperatures will moderate back towards seasonal values on Saturday.
Health and safety officials are urging people to take precautions. WorkSafe B-C says, “employers are responsible for protecting employees from heat stress and may need to create mitigation plans, advising them to stop work if they can’t control risks stemming from high temperatures.”
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.
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 the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.
Keep your house cool. Turn on your air conditioning (if possible), block the sun by closing curtains or blinds, or relocate to a cooler location such as a basement or public cooling center.
Fans alone cannot effectively lower core body temperature, especially for older adults. Use fans to pull in cooler air from outdoors, but if you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of heat illness, find a cooler space.