UPDATE: Air Quality and Heat Warning NOW Issued for Merritt and area

UPDATE: (2:00 pm)  A yellow air quality warning has been added to the yellow heat warning issued by Environment Canada this afternoon. (July 22). Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow heat warning for Merritt and area today (July 22) as temperatures are expected to reach somewhere near 36 C at its peak this afternoon.

The heat coupled with the thick smoke and ash circulating in the air from the nearly Brunswick-Ainslie-Anderson wildfires will make spending long periods outside uncomfortable for the next few days as the risk to your health increases.

Environment Canada says that 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.

Residents should check on family, friends and neighbors, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space.

You should also keep an eye on your own health and watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.  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.

You are also reminded to never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.

The extreme heat, along with the hazy skies and smoke from the out-of-control Brunswick Creek (5389 ha) Ainslie Creek (16,499 ha) and Anderson River (1000 ha) will also have an impact on:

• Older adults
• People with pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic ​obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes
• People who are pregnant
• Infants and young children

Q101 will continue to follow the heat warning throughout the day. You can also check your forecast at Environment Canada.