Heat warnings issued for Edmonton, Calgary, much of central Alberta

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for a large portion of the province, with alerts in effect for an area stretching from northern Alberta to the southern border, mainly along the eastern half of Alberta.

The province's two largest cities, as well as Red Deer, Lloydminster, and Medicine Hat, are included in the warning area.

The warnings for Edmonton and Calgary state that temperatures reaching 30 C, combined with overnight lows near 14 C, are forecasted for Wednesday. Conditions are expected to cool down Thursday.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Environment Canada recommends that people reschedule outdoor activities, limit exposure to the sun, take frequent breaks from the heat and drink plenty of water.