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By Chris Brown

Heat warnings start as temperatures of up to 38 C expected in the coming days

Jul 19, 2023 | 4:40 PM

The first heat warning is in place as temperatures across southern Alberta are forecast to reach 30 C on Thursday and continue to rise into next week.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning for the Brooks-Strathmore-Vulcan region on Wednesday afternoon.

The weather service says the temperature in the region will reach 29 C or warmer and the overnight low will be near 14 C.

“A long-duration heat event will begin Thursday and last into next week,” reads the warning. “Heat warnings will likely be expanded to include most of southeastern Alberta by the weekend.”

Residents of and visitors to the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours:

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• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
• Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
• Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
• Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.

Environment Canada says to monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.

Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

For more heat health advice, visit albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx.