Be careful when trying to beat the heat

By Lethbridge Herald Opinion on July 3, 2021.

The Weather Network calls it an unprecedented heat wave in our history with temperatures shattering records.
While B.C., where a new record of 48C was set earlier this week is starting to cool off, we in Southern Alberta aren’t so fortunate.
If you dare look at the weather apps on your phone or the daily forecast in The Herald, you may not like what you see.
A prolonged heat wave is going to impact our daily lives well into next week with highs of at least 30C expected until next Sunday.
Those highs, which would be considered very warm in most summers, are actually a respite from what we’ve experienced the last couple of days but we can’t let our guards down as the weekend approaches.
With this heat comes a need to keep cool as well as hydrated.
Many people will surely head to the Oldman River where one life has already been tragically lost this year.
Others will venture to lakes, streams or swimming pools to find a brief respite from the sweltering heat.
Some won’t find that break. Those without air conditioning in their homes undoubtedly are suffering horribly as are the many vulnerable in our communities who wander the streets daily with no place to escape the pounding sun and blistering temperatures.
Our pets aren’t safe from the effect of heat either and need to be kept indoors away from pavement that can quickly burn paws. Walking dogs in this extreme weather is not fair to our four-legged friends at all and we owe them better.
The temptation as the weekend comes is to get out and enjoy summer but we all need to be careful. Keep hydrated when walking, golfing or hiking. And leave alcohol at home when swimming or tubing down the river.
Life can turn upside down in the blink of an eye for all of us and we need to take precautions.
Avoid the sun and heat if you can; if you aren’t willing to, please be careful for sake of those you care about and who care about you.
Like cold, heat can and will kill. It can be our friend but also our worst enemy.

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