At least 14 heat records evaporated around Alberta Monday, as a sweltering heat wave brings intense daytime highs and very little relief overnight.
“You’re not getting that relief overnight, you can’t really cool off and that’s why we do have these heat warnings out because it does cause issues for hospitals and health centres where they see an increase in people coming in due to heat-related illnesses,” explained Marianna Greenhough with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
She says this sizzling blast of summer is expected to continue for most of the week, with only a little bit of relief on Friday.
“We’ll probably be seeing these marginal breaking of records for the next couple days, breaking it by half a degree or maybe by one degree here and there,” Greenhough added.
The timing of this heat wave could be enough to make one feel a little bit cranky, especially for those attending any Stampede festivities.
The big crowds and long lines paired with the heat has people looking for relief whenever, and wherever, they can get it.
“It’s pretty warm but, thankfully the trains are a little air conditioned, they’re not too bad so it gives you a little bit of relief. You’ve got to be careful where you’re going, be cognizant of it, try to stay in the shade. That’s what we’re trying to do,” one attendee told CityNews.
“Drinking a lot of water [and] when we run out of water, drinking some refreshing lemonade at the Stampede,” another said. “Staying in the shade as much as possible, and I know a lot of people are wearing cowboy hats too, that helps a lot.”
Kerrie Blizard, director of public safety for the Stampede, is recommending people take extra precautions.
“We encourage our guests to wear sunscreen, wear a hat, some lightweight clothing,” she said. “Public safety remains our priority.”
For those hitting the grounds Tuesday, there are buildings with air conditioning there — the newly-expanded BMO Centre and the Nutrien Centre both have water stations and AC, ideal places for attendees to take a break from the heat.
During periods of extreme heat, ECCC recommends rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, taking frequent breaks from the heat, and checking on children or pets before getting out of a vehicle.
Calgarians should watch for any symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which include high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
“People need to be diligent when it comes to the heat,” Greenhough said. “I know we’ve been waiting a long time for some heat to come to Alberta, it seems like summer was a bit delayed, but heat is something you don’t want to mess around with.”
ECCC says attention should be paid to babies, 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, as they can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat.