ENVIRONMENT Canada on Thursday issued a warning about a major heat wave over southern British Columbia this weekend, adding that high temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

It said: “An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure will build over Western Canada this Friday and Saturday allowing hot air to invade southern B.C. Temperatures are expected to approach 40 degrees over the Southern Interior and the low thirties along the South Coast.”

It warned: “The highest temperatures are expected Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Several daily temperature records are likely to fall with the possibility of monthly records falling come the end of June.”

It said: “A weak weather disturbance moving onshore Sunday evening will bring the chance of thunderstorms over the South Coast. High cloud ahead of the system may decrease the temperatures slightly Sunday afternoon. A slight cooling trend will begin Monday; however the unseasonably hot weather will persist through Canada Day.”