Heat warnings paint Alberta red as families look for ways to deal
'One of the best years I can recall and I’ve lived here for 65 years,' says Calgary grandfather at Sikome Lake
People packed into Sikome Lake in Calgary's southeast Monday afternoon seeking relief for the scorcher of a day — as heat warnings continued for much of central and southeastern Alberta.
Environment Canada blanketed much of southern and eastern Alberta with those red heat warnings, meaning daytime temperatures that reach almost 30 C and dip to only 14 C overnight.
"It's great. You get to swim and cool off," said one of the boys cooling off at the beach, Skylar Leger.
He knows what he looks forward to on a says like these: "Building sandcastles, swimming and just relaxing and enjoying the weather."
But Environment Canada says people need to be careful if they're going to soak up the rays.
"Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness," the agency said in a statement on its website.
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"Particular vigilance is urged for vulnerable individuals, including children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated."
'Keep them hydrated'
At Sikome Lake, Fred Thoutenhoofd says bring it on.
"I love the heat. We get so little of this, perfect heat. Perfect heat and no wind and this has been one of the best years I can recall and I've lived here for 65 years. The problems with heat are minimal, absolutely minimal."
His wife, Linda Thoutenhoofd, says there are ways to manage the temperatures.
"I don't do as well as my husband does, who is just a heat fanatic, but as long as I can keep myself in a cool place with shade, I am good," she said.
"We bring everything from food to snacks to drinks to keep them hydrated. Sunscreen of course, and then just throw them into the water."
Shaylene Taylor says enjoy it while it lasts.
"I'm just enjoying the sun at the beach. Can't complain. We've had a rough winter so it's nice to enjoy the heat for the couple of months we are going to have it."
If you aren't a big fan of it though, relief is on the way.
"A low pressure system moving through the province on Wednesday will bring scattered showers and cooler temperatures to the region," Environment Canada said on its website.
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WIth files from Mike Symington