Heat warning issued with hotter weather on the way
By Lethbridge Herald on July 16, 2024.
City workers perform work at the intersection of Stafford Drive and 5 Ave. N. on Tuesday. With a heat warning in place, people should drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids to keep hydrated when working or enjoying activities outdoors.
Herald photo by Al BeeberAl Beeber – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – abeeber@lethbridgeherald.com
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Lethbridge and area.
The agency says daytime highs for the next eight to 10 days will range between 28 and 36C with overnight lows only reaching 12 to 20C.
The government agency says the warning is expected to be expanded.
Heat warnings are issued when high temperatures conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses including heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Today’s high in Lethbridge is forecast to be 34 and after dipping to 30 on Thursday will rise again with a maximum high of 34 forecast for Friday through Sunday. On Monday a high of 36 is in the forecast while the mercury could reach 37 here on Tuesday.
Similar temperatures are forecast for Taber and other communities in southern Alberta, as well. The Crowsnest Pass is one area where the temperatures could be lower with a high of only 29 expected by Tuesday.
Environment Canada recommends residents and visitors to the area take precautions by considering the rescheduling of outdoor activities to cooler times of day, take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time indoors when possible.
People are also urged to drink plenty of water and other liquids that are non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated.
People should check vehicles for children or pets before existing them and are advised not leave any human or animal in a closed vehicle for any length of time.
Symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion can include high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.
“Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers as well as those who are socially isolated,” adds Environment Canada.
If it’s any consolation, the Air Quality Health Index for Lethbridge and areas of southern Alberta is predicted to be low today. Lethbridge and Medicine Hat both are predicted to have an AQHI of 3 today.
In Lethbridge, the City has public water stations at several locations including Galt Gardens, Henderson Lake Park, Legacy Park and Nicholas Sheran Park.
Spray parks at Legacy and the Rotary Centennial Fountain at Galt Gardens are open for extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. City pools are also open.
City of Lethbridge facilities are open for people needing a reprieve from the sun.
The Province of Alberta says some people are at higher risk of health impacts from the heat.
They include:
• older adults.
• infants and young children.
• women who are pregnant.
• people with pre-existing medical and mental health conditions.
• outdoor workers.
• people with reduced mobility.
• people who live alone or are socially isolated.
• people who live in high density housing with no indoor cooling.
• people experiencing homelessness, or are marginally housed.
And some medications will also increase risk of heat illness, says the alberta.ca website.
When outdoors, people should drink water regularly even if not feeling thirsty, wear sunblock and look for shaded areas. Umbrellas can help to create shade and are cooler by several degrees, notes the website.
“Wear the right clothing like materials that are loosely woven, lightweight, with a relaxed fit for air flow. Sportswear labels offer quick dry materials that wick away sweat and may offer UV protection. Hats that are wide brimmed or beaked help reduce heat absorption and protect your eyes,” adds the province.
Homes can get warm as well so the province says it’s important to keep them as cool as possible during the day because indoor temperatures peak in the evening.
Tips include:
• Close all windows and doors during the day and block sunlight from entering by using window coverings.
• Use exhaust fans when showering or cooking to remove humidity and heat. If possible, prepare meals that do not need to be heated as using appliances will increase the indoor temperatures.
• Create a cross breeze by opening windows in the early morning or late evening and placing fans to pull cool air in and push hot air out.
• Take a cool shower or bath and apply a cold towel to your neck. Staying cool at night can help you sleep so you can cope with the effects of extreme heat. If it is too hot to sleep indoors, find a safe place to sleep outdoors.
• If your home is too warm, consider leaving to stay with friends, family, your heat buddy, or look for public spaces with indoor cooling.
Pet owners need to make sure their furry friends drink water and stay out of the heat as much as possible, especially if they’re older or have medical conditions.
People can brush their pets coat to promote air circulation and use a spray bottle to mist them.
Signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing and heartbeat, headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, extreme thirst, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, skin rash, dark urine and decreased urination.
Signs of heatstroke are dizziness, fainting or unconsciousness, confusion and lack of coordination, strong, rapid pulse, extremely high body temperature (above 39.4 C), nausea, lack of sweat and very hot, red skin.
Because heatstroke is a medical emergency 911 should be called if a person exhibits those signs.
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…and no end in sight to 30 + weather for the next 2 weeks. Some of the crops in our area of southern Alberta are going back fast, and with another 2 weeks, or more of this heat wave? Not good.