After a string of cool and wet weather this summer, high temperatures are slated to take over Calgary, along with most of Alberta, starting on Monday, according to Environment Canada.
The federal weather agency says a long-duration heat event is expected to last for the next several days, with daytime highs reaching 29-33 C.
Communities over central and northern Alberta are already experiencing high temperatures, but portions of southern Alberta will experience the heat on Monday.
Calgary is expected to reach a high of 27 C Sunday, 25 C on Monday, and peak at 30 C on Tuesday. It then hovers from 26-30 C over the next few days.
Meteorologists say overnight lows will range from 9-13 C and offer some relief, but with the event lasting several days, they say there’s concern that the heat effects could build up over time.
“Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health,” the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) notice reads.
“Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.”
Edmonton and nearby areas are experiencing a heat warning as of Sunday, with temperatures in the 30s.
The ECCC says to Edmonton residents–and for the rest of the province–to consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, to take frequent breaks from the heat, spend time in cooled indoor spaces where possible, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, and to check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle.
It also says not to leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle for any length of time.
Additionally, it asks residents to monitor symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, like high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
Individuals who may experience earlier or more severe effects from heat, such as infants, children, seniors, and those with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated, should receive extra attention during this time.
The ECCC says 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.”
You can find information on how to protect yourself during extreme heat events here, and information about the health risks can be found here.