A heat warning has been issued for much of southern and central B.C., and a ridge of high pressure is expected to sweep across the province this week.
According to Environment Canada officials, daytime highs could reach 35 to 40 degrees.
Overnight temperatures will offer little relief, as the early morning lows will range between 18 to 20 degrees.
Northern regions, the southeast corner of the province and some parts of the coast and Vancouver Island are the only exceptions to the heat warning.
Experts anticipate the heat wave to last from Tuesday to Saturday, with the hottest days coming later in the week.
“The peak daytime high temperatures are expected from Wednesday to Friday. Then, a slow cooling trend is likely next weekend to early August,” said Environment Canada officials. “The hottest time of the day will be late afternoon to early evening. The coolest time of the day will be near the sunrise.”
The forecasting agency warns to be on the lookout for symptoms of heat-related illness, such as swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Young children, pregnant people, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors are at greater risk when exposed to high temperatures.
More: Environment Canada weather alerts
