As Kamloops continues to face scorching temperatures, the City has activated its Heat Alert Response Plan in response to a heat warning currently in effect through Friday, August 29. With daytime highs of up to 37°C and overnight lows near 18°C, the warning was issued under the province’s two-tier Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) developed by the BC HEAT Committee.

“Right away on this one, when they issued the heat warning, they included an anticipated end date on Friday,” said Ty Helgason, Emergency Preparedness Manager for the City of Kamloops. “Environment Canada is being cautious with the forecast, seeing that even though the lows might dip slightly below the threshold, the highs are well above — so the warning is active all week.”

The HARS system, coordinated by Environment and Climate Change Canada, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and BC Public Health, distinguishes between two alert levels:

• Heat Warning (Level 1): Moderate public health risk

• Extreme Heat Emergency (Level 2): Very high risk (similar to the 2021 heat dome)

Kamloops falls within the province’s “southeast” region, where a 35-18-35 forecast (daytime highs of 35°C or higher and overnight lows of 18°C or higher for two consecutive days) activates a Level 1 heat warning.

City Response Plan in Action

In response to the ongoing warning, the City of Kamloops has fully activated its heat response protocol, which includes:

• Indoor and outdoor cooling spaces

• Public health and safety messaging

• Neighbourhood outreach and health checks

• Support for vulnerable groups and the unhoused

• Coordination with local service providers and transportation

“A big piece of this is trying to ensure we have a more resilient community throughout the summer,” said Helgason. “Some measures, like our new misting stations, are permanent, while others are activated during heat warnings.”

Interior Health Adds Public Health Guidance

As the heat warning covers both South Thompson and Fraser Canyon, Interior Health (IH) is reminding residents that everyone is at risk of heat-related illness, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable:

• Seniors (65+), infants and young children

• Pregnant people

• People with chronic conditions or mental illness

• Those who work outdoors or are socially isolated

• People without housing

Interior Health stresses that heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs such as:

• Severe headache, confusion, loss of consciousness

• Disorientation, vomiting, or very dark/no urine

For non-emergency health concerns, residents can:

• Call 8-1-1 (HealthLinkBC) to speak with a nurse

• Visit urgent care clinics if it’s safe to do so

• Use the “Check Your Symptoms” tool at healthlinkbc.ca

Stay Safe: Practical Tips for Beating the Heat

Keep your home cool by:

• Opening windows at night if temperatures and air quality allow

• Closing windows and blinds during the day

• Avoiding oven use

• Using a fan with an ice tray, but note: fans don’t lower body temperature above 35°C

Keep your body cool by:

• Taking cool baths or showers

• Wearing damp clothing or using a mister

• Staying hydrated and reducing physical activity

For those who qualify, free portable air conditioners may be available through FortisBC and BC Hydro.

Important: If heat coincides with poor air quality, prioritize cooling — heat stress is more dangerous than short-term exposure to smoky air.

Targeted Support for Vulnerable Residents

The City has partnered with local organizations to help protect those most at risk. For people experiencing homelessness:

• CMHA vehicle is conducting wellness checks

• Cooling spaces like The Gathering Place have expanded hours

• Community service officers are distributing water, Gatorade, and monitoring for heat stress

For seniors:

• Free drop-in programming is available at Heritage House and the Kamloops Seniors Community Centre

• Heat Response Passes provide free access to public pools, skating, and cooling centres. Passes are available through:

  • BGC Kamloops

  • Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society

  • Interior Community Services

Cooling Resources Across the City

Indoor Cooling Options:

• Free drop-in for seniors at Heritage House

• Free public swimming at Canada Games Aquatic Centre and Westsyde Pool

• Public skating (Heat Response Pass required)

Outdoor Cooling Options:

• Water parks: McDonald Park, Riverside Park, Prince Charles Park, Westsyde Centennial Park
  (Note: Albert McGowan Park is closed for construction)

• Misting stations: North Shore Transit Exchange, McArthur Island Park, Soccer Field 5/6

• Public drinking fountains and washrooms: Multiple locations throughout the city

A full map of cooling spaces and washrooms is available at: kamloops.ca/heat

Check on Your Neighbours

The City urges residents to check in on others, especially those who may be isolated or at higher risk. “It might not be who you expect,” said Helgason. “We have a checklist on our website that outlines how to check on someone, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if you think someone is in distress.”

Neighbourhood associations are assisting with health outreach and awareness efforts.

Final Word: Stay Informed and Take Action

“The most important thing is to be aware of who might be at risk and take action — check on a neighbour, visit a cooling centre, or reach out to support services,” Helgason emphasized. “And visit kamloops.ca/heat for all the details you need to stay safe.”