Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of Alberta ahead of a week of hot weather that it says could set record temperatures for this time of year.
The warning was issued on Monday at approximately 3:45 p.m. MT.
Stephen Vallee, a meteorologist with the weather agency, says hot weather will begin on Tuesday.
Vallee said a large, slow-moving area of warm air from B.C. will enter western Alberta tomorrow, and will last until next Tuesday, July 23.
Daytime highs are expected to be in the low 30s throughout the week, with the hottest temperatures arriving on the weekend, said Vallee. Nighttime lows will not offer much relief, with temperatures remaining in the mid to high teens overnight.
The heat warning is in effect for most of Alberta, from High Level as far south as Medicine Hat. Vallee said Environment Canada expects it will be extended further south right up to the U.S. border in the days to come.
Pushing toward ‘maximum records’
He added that Calgary could break the record maximum temperatures for this time of year.
“In the middle of July the record daytime highs are in that 34 to 35 C range. So yeah, possibly this weekend or early next week, we could be pushing toward those maximum records.”
Aside from daily temperature peaks, Vallee said the largest impacts of the heat will be felt from the long duration of the event.
“Typically heat waves don’t usually quite last this long … Usually they’re more [like] two to three, maybe four days, so this is a unique prolonged event that we’re expecting,” he said.
“It’s just day after day after day of these hot temperatures, right? So yeah, it’s very important to take care, take care of yourself and check on your neighbours.”
Vallee said Albertans should try to reschedule outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, such as the morning and evening, and take lots of breaks if they are required to be outside.
“Spend time in cool areas, in shaded areas or air conditioned indoor spaces, drinking plenty of water to help keep yourself hydrated, and make sure to never leave any pets in vehicles for any amount of time,” he added.
The last heat warning issued by Environment Canada came just last week, increasing new wildfire risks and hampering firefighting efforts already underway in the province.