Calgary could shatter heat records this week, weather warning in effect

CALGARY – Calgary could break heat records this week as the city is trapped in a potentially dangerous heatwave.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low- to mid-30s all week and could get as high as 37 degrees.

The temps at 6 AM around Alberta this morning will be the coldest we'll feel this week. #HEATWAVE #abheat @660NEWS pic.twitter.com/Ze1rbfQGZ0

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) June 28, 2021

Meteorologist Michael Kuss says Calgary could break records–some of which go back to the 1800s–every day this week.

“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, are all going to be new record highs,” he said.

“The existing records range from about 32 to 35 degrees. We’re looking at daytime highs from 35 to 37 or 38 degrees at least this week from [Monday] through Thursday.”

On Monday afternoon, one record was already broken for Calgary, with temperatures reaching 33 degrees, breaking the record of 32.8 degrees set back in 1937.

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There won’t be any reprieve from the heat as overnight lows are still expected to be around the 20-degree mark.

“Overnight lows are going to be above room temperature, especially Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, where we will have morning readings, the coldest part of the day, at 20-23 degrees across the area. So, there’s just no break,” said Kuss.

Kuss adds that when you factor in the humidex, Calgary could feel like it’s over 40 degrees.

The heat warning from the national weather agency says the high temps bring along a higher risk of heat-related illnesses.

READ MORE: Watch for warning signs of heatstroke, warns EMS

“Monitor for symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness,” reads the alert.

“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.”

It recommends rescheduling outdoor activities to take place during the coolest parts of the day, either early mornings or late in the evening.

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Take breaks from the heat whenever possible and spend time inside in air-conditioned places and drink plenty of water and avoid an excess of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.

When it comes to managing your home in temperatures like this, it’s best to keep your home as cool as possible by closing curtains and blinds during the day.

“If you have an air conditioner now is the time to make sure it’s working properly,” said Sue Henry, Chief of Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

“Turn your furnace fan on, it helps to circulate cool air from your basement. Open windows in the evening to cool your house. If you have fans, put them near your window to draw in that cooler air in the evening,” added Henry.

And don’t leave pets or kids in hot cars.

READ MORE: Keep walks short during heatwave, don’t leave pets in cars: Humane Society

The Humane Society says if you’re walking your dog, to do so during the coolest hours and to keep them off the pavement as it could scorch their paw pads.

You might also want to bring a water bottle for them.

-with files from Kenny Mason, Michael Kuss, Chris Bowen, Mark Strashok