Sweltering temperatures expected as heat warnings issued for most of Alberta
Temperatures reaching or exceeding 29 C expected Wednesday
Hot temperatures are expected to blanket most of Alberta over the next few days.
Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for most of the province, with alerts in effect for an area stretching from the far north to parts of southern Alberta.
The warnings, updated on Wednesday, said daytime temperatures of 29 to 32 C combined with overnight lows in the mid-teens are expected for the next two days. A cold front is expected to move east across the province Thursday, bringing cooler temperatures.
The warnings are in effect for a huge swath of the province including Edmonton, Calgary, Claresholm, High Level, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Lloydminster.
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.
The heat warning is also in effect for areas in northern Alberta where large out-of-control wildfires are burning, including one that has forced hundreds from their homes. Fire bans and restrictions are in place in many parts of the province, especially in northern Alberta.
Environment Canada recommends that people reschedule outdoor activities, limit exposure to the sun, take frequent breaks from the heat and drink plenty of water.
