Environment and Climate Change Canada reports that heat records were set in five southern Alberta communities on August 14, 2023. (Photo: Marianvejcik | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Heat records broken in five southern Alberta communities Monday

Aug 15, 2023 | 5:21 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It was the first day of an expected week-long heat wave in southern Alberta and it sure delivered.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said new daily maximum temperature records were set in several communities in the region on Monday.

Medicine Hat came close to the record, but fell just short.

Environment Canada showed the hottest modern day record for Medicine Hat on Aug. 14 was 37 C.

It reached 36.4 C on Monday.

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Taber was the hottest at 36.6 C, breaking the previous record of 36 C set in 1994.

The full list, as provided by ECCC, is available below:

• Banff Area
  • New record of 31.1 C
  • Old record of 30.5 C set in 1994
  • Records in this area have been kept since 1887
• Cardston Area
  • New record of 35.6 C
  • Old record of 35.5 C set in 1994
  • Records in this area have been kept since 1918
• Milk River Area
  • New record of 35.4 C
  • Old record of 34.8 C set in 2021
  • Records in this area have been kept since 1994
• Pincher Creek Area
  • New record of 35.3 C
  • Old record of 32.5 C set in 2003
  • Records in this area have been kept since 1893
• Taber Area
  • New record of 36.6 C
  • Old record of 36.0 C set in 1994
  • Records in this area have been kept since 1947

The weather agency issued a heat warning for nearly all of southern Alberta on Monday, saying the hot temperatures are expected to persist until Friday.

The forecast high in Medicine Hat on Tuesday is 35 C. The modern-day record for this date is 37.5 C set in 2003.

After a 30 C high on Wednesday the heat wave will break after a 37 C day on Thursday.

Some precipitation is anticipated over the weekend.

The public is asked to monitor themselves and others 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,” reads an advisory from ECCC from Monday.

Some ways in which people can stay safe include rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler times of the day, taking frequent breaks from the heat, and drinking plenty of water and non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages.