As hot, dry weather approaches, B.C. residents urged to prepare

Another hot spell is moving into British Columbia, prompting the province's public safety ministry to warnresidents to have a heat plan ready as temperatures climb this weekend.

A statement Tuesday said an extreme heat emergency is not expected but heat warnings are possible in some areas, beginning as early as Saturday and continuing into next week.

It saida heat plan is "critical'' and people should identify cool zones in their homes and at nearby community centres or libraries.

The plan should also identify vulnerable family members and neighbours who are at risk of heat illnesses and need regular checkups, and include ways to cool down, such as taking showers and drinking plenty of water.

The province announced a heat alert system in June to set temperature ranges and government responses during heat warnings or emergencies, after the B.C. Coroners Service said more than 600 people died during an extreme heat wave last summer.

Environment Canada said heat in the mid- to high 20s should reach the South Coast and parts of the northern Interior by next week, while the Okanagan, central and southeastern B.C. could see temperatures nudging the high 30s over the same period.