Prepare for record-setting temperatures and heat warnings this week across the Okanagan-Shuswap.

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist said the forecasted heatwave is unusual for this time of year with predicted record highs that don鈥檛 usually hit the Interior until the second week of July.

鈥淩ecords for this time of year in Salmon Arm are in the mid-to-high 30s C and down in Osoyoos temperates have reached over 40 C for the end of June,鈥� said Lundquist. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 usual to have two weeks of high heat around the solstice.鈥�

The average high for the end of June is 24 C, with Environment Canada forecasting rain, however, this week temperatures will be about 15 C above average.

鈥淲e had a really dry spring and usually we are looking to our monsoon weather, which we will not get this year,鈥� he said.

Temperatures may reach 40 C on the weekend for the South Okanagan, Fraser Canyon and Trail area.

Environment Canada is expected to issue heat warnings as the week progresses and the mercury rises over 35 C, with possible overnight lows of 20 C.

鈥淩ight now we really need to be thinking about the folks at BC Wildfire, we need to ensure we don鈥檛 impact them by starting fires. We have to be fire smart with this heat,鈥� explained Lundquist. 鈥淭he health and safety of animals and humans are really important right now. We should be making sure to hydrate and watch children in the sun if you are out at the beach.鈥�

Lundquist also suggests checking the UV Index on the before heading outdoors. For Monday, the UV index is at 11 or extreme for much of the Okanagan-Shuswap.

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