The summer heat has hit the Okanagan in a major way.

It’s gotten so hot that Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding the high temperatures forecast for the rest of the week.

Photo Credit: The Weather Network

“A ridge of high pressure will strengthen over B.C. through Sunday, leading to several days of above seasonal temperatures,” the statement says. “Afternoon temperatures will rise a couple degrees each day this week.”

Temperatures are expected to reach 36°C on both Thursday and Friday and continue with similar heat into the weekend.

Overnight conditions will also remain quite warm across the Okanagan Valley.

The heat has already forced the Kamloops Fire Centre to up the fire danger rating to extreme.

Along with a risk to the environment, it can also be a risk to people’s health as heat related illnesses are more likely during prolonged periods of hot weather.

Try to enjoy the summer heat responsibly and tag your photos from around the Okanagan with #KelownaNow.