Cooling centres opening in Vernon as heat wave hits the Okanagan

The City of Vernon is urging people to be safe and stay cool as a heat wave makes its way into the Okanagan Valley.

With temperatures set to reach the mid- to high 30s in the Okanagan Valley, the City of Vernon said it would be opening cooling centres at Kal Tire Place, the Vernon Museum and Archives, the library, and city hall.

The Lakeview and Lavington outdoor pools were also open for the public as a place to cool down.

Along with seeking shelter from the heat, the City urged people take action to protect themselves and loved ones. That involved staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activities to the cooler parts of the day, never leaving children or pets unattended in parked vehicles, and checking in on vulnerable people who would be more susceptible to heat illness.