Heat warning issued for Edmonton as temperatures rise

A wave of heat is set to sweep across Edmonton and much of Alberta starting 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.

Edmonton and nearby areas are experiencing a heat warning as of Sunday, with temperatures in the 30s.

Edmontonians can expect a sunny Sunday with a high of 29C and low of 13C in the evening. Monday, high of 30 C and low of 14C. Tuesday temperatures will rise to 32C, skies will remain sunny and a low of 14C is expected in the evening. The temperatures remain between 27C – 32C the remainder of the week.

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.

Communities over central and northern Alberta are already experiencing high temperatures, but portions of southern Alberta will experience the heat on Monday.

“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.”

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.