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Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning for most of southern Alberta, August 14, 2023. (Photo: ECCC)

Heat warning issued for nearly all of southern Alberta

Aug 14, 2023 | 5:03 AM

MEDICINE HAT – Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is advising residents of southern Alberta to be cautious as the weather is set to be hot this week.

The agency has issued a heat warning for most of the region, including communities such as Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Cardston, Fort Macleod, Claresholm, High River, and Brooks.

ECCC said daytime highs this week are expected to be over 30 degrees Celsius.

The forecast high in Medicine Hat for Monday, August 14, 2023, is 36 degrees.

The record high temperature for August 14 is 37 degrees, set in 2021.

That is followed by highs of 35 degrees on Tuesday, 30 on Wednesday, and 37 on Thursday.

Temperatures are set to moderate by Friday, dipping down to an expected 20.

The public is asked to monitor themselves and others for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of seat, 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.

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.