British Columbia

Hot spell forecast for the Lower Mainland and parts of the Interior

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement and a heat warning for parts of B.C. this weekend.

Temperatures expected to reach as high as 40 C in the South Thompson

Temperatures are expected to soar across the Lower Mainland and parts of the Interior on Sunday. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

It looks like there's still plenty of summer left for the Lower Mainland and parts of the Interior this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Lower Mainland. 

The government agency says a ridge of high pressure will build over the South Coast this weekend, with temperatures peaking in the mid-30s on Sunday in Howe Sound and the Fraser Valley. 

Temperatures are expected to stay high on Monday, but a cool inflow from the Pacific Ocean will likely keep temperatures down. 

Hot elsewhere too

Environment Canada has also issued a heat warning for parts of the Interior, including the South Thompson, Fraser Canyon, Cariboo and 100 Mile House regions. 

In the South Thompson, temperatures are expected to reach as high was 40 C with overnight lows near 18 C. 

The agency is reminding everyone never to leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle. 

On Saturday, the Salvation Army said it was mobilizing staff and volunteers across the province to open up shelter spaces, offer water and sun block to help vulnerable people deal with the hot weather.