Preparing for the heat season
Heat is a major weather-related cause of death in Canada. Even a few days of extreme heat can result in serious health outcomes. Climate forecasts suggest that summers in the Interior Health (IH) region will become hotter, with longer and more frequent heat events.
Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health effects, including throat and nose irritation, worsening of lung and heart conditions, and premature death. It’s important to take steps to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.
There may also be times when heat events are complicated by smoke from wildfires. If extreme heat occurs during an air quality warning, community leaders should prioritize actions that support cooling.