Prince George, B.C. –  This is going to be one very hot week in Prince George.

Environment Canada  is predicting the temperature will hit 34 blistering degrees by Thursday.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Greg Pearce says  the high pressure ridge will likely  push all the way north into the Southern Yukon by the end of the week “The ridge is getting stronger,  it’s moving north and that’s bringing the warm air up with it up into the Central Interior.”

Pearce says  typical  temperatures for this  time of year in Prince George are in the mid twenties,  but by  the end of the week should  be in the low to mid 30’s.

Record highs for  this week, are in the low 30’s  so there is a  possibility  those records could be  broken before the week  is out.  Pearce says it is not unusual to have  this kind of hot spell, but it has lasted a little longer  “These temperatures will be running about 8 degrees above normal for the week.”

The forecast is calling for a chance of showers  on the  weekend and temperatures peaking at  about 28.

The heat, combined with the smoky skies alert that  is  place for the region,  means a need to  take care of  your health.

Keep an eye on the  humidex readings,  as  a reading near or at 40  or during extended periods of high temperatures as  is this case this week,  could  see some suffer from heat illness.

Symptoms of heat illness include:

• rapid breathing,
• headache
• weakness or fatigue
• nausea and muscle cramps.

Anyone experiencing  these symptoms should move to a cool environment, rest and drink cool, non alcoholic  drinks.

If symptoms get worse, or are severe,  visit  an emergency room or your family doctor.

Northern Health offers a number of tips to avoid  heat illness including:

• Drink lots of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous activity during mid-day when the temperature is at its peak.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun. If you must go out, stay in the shade or wear a hat.
• Apply a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more if you are  outside shopping or doing errands. Upgrade to SPF 30 if you be out the whole day in the sun
• Avoid strenuous activity   when the temperature is at its peak
• Never leave  children or pets in a  vehicle.