A heat warning has been issued for Calgary and much of southern Alberta, as temperatures are expected to reach daytime highs of 29 C on Wednesday and Thursday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is cautioning people about the high temperatures that could extend into the weekend.

“Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day,” says Environment Canada. “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.”

Calgary’s forecast shows expected highs of 29 C on Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight lows of 14 C and 16 C respectively. There’s a chance of showers on Thursday.

From Friday to Sunday, the expected high is 25 C, with overnight lows between 12 C and 15 C.

Environment Canada advises people to take frequent breaks from the heat, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and check for children or pets whenever they exit their vehicles.

Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness,” says the warning.

Infants, children, seniors and those with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions are at risk of earlier or more severe effects from the heat. People who work outdoors should also carefully monitor their symptoms.

The UV index was at an 8 on Wednesday, which is considered very high.

Wildfires continue in Alberta
Many regions of Alberta remain under fire bans, restrictions or advisories, as the weather has been unseasonably hot for much of the spring and wildfires continue to blaze across the province. There were no bans or advisories in place in Calgary on Wednesday morning.

According to Alberta’s wildfire map, there are 66 wildfires burning in the province, including more than a dozen that are listed as being out of control.

More information about fire bans, restrictions and advisories is available at albertafirebans.ca.

Heat Warning issued for areas of the Foothills

A Heat Warning is in effect for areas of the Foothills including Okotoks and High River.

With temperatures as high as 29 degrees and overnight lows of around 14 degrees, Environment Canada is recommending people take some precautions:

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
• Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
• Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
• Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.

Residents should watch for signs of heat stroke including dizziness, lack of sweat, fainting, and exhaustion.

These hot conditions are expected to continue tomorrow and could stretch into the weekend.