Heat warnings of up to 32 C in effect for regions in southern Alberta
CBC
Heat warnings are in effect for several regions of southern Alberta, with some areas forecasted to reach or exceed 32 C on Tuesday, according to Environment Canada.
On Monday afternoon, Environment Canada posted heat warnings for the following regions:
Most of those regions are expected to reach 30 C, with overnight lows near 15 C. The areas of Cypress Hills Provincial Park-Foremost and Medicine Hat-Bow Island-Suffield will reach or exceed 32 C on Tuesday with overnight lows warmer than 16 C.
Andrew Palmer, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said temperatures should moderate Thursday before climbing into the mid-30s on the weekend.
Residents in these areas should take precautions to protect themselves from the heat.
Palmer said the number one rule to remember is to stay hydrated. He also said southern Albertans should avoid strenuous activities during the warmest hours of the day, from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"If you have any elderly neighbours, it's great to check in on them to make sure they're doing okay, especially if they don't have air conditioning," said Palmer.
Environment Canada also stated on their website that people should not leave children or pets inside a closed vehicle.
Palmer said it's crucial for Albertans to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially when temperatures get up to the mid-30s this weekend.
"It's very important not to let yourself get overheated," he said.
Signs of heat exhaustion include a high body temperature, confusion, fainting, lack of sweat and unconsciousness, according to Environment Canada.
Another tip Palmer mentioned is for gardeners: water more often, but not during daylight hours as "the water just immediately evaporates," he said.
"You'd want to be watering in the evening, early morning."
What's unique about this week's heat warnings is that they're the first for Alberta this year. Palmer said normally by mid-July there would already have been at least one round of heat warnings, but this year's spring was fairly cool.
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