Calgary set to hit scorching temperatures: ECCC

A string of scorching summer days are arriving in Calgary, prompting a heat warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

The agency says temperatures reaching 29 C and beyond combined with overnight lows near 14 C are expected.

This will be a “prolonged heat event” lasting into early next week, it adds.

Stuart Brideaux with EMS says it’s important to keep a few things in mind when the mercury rises.

“Use sunscreen as best you can, sunscreen is often underapplied so the amount is often underused, and usually applied perhaps too quickly before entering out in the sun before it’s full effectiveness has taken hold,” he explained, adding that drinking plenty of water and wearing a hat are also necessary to prevent heat-related illness.

He says heat exhaustion is a real possibility for this weekend, and encourages Calgarians and visitors to the city to watch for headaches and nausea.

Soaking up the shade and taking breaks indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned space will be helpful, he adds.

If you look for relief in a body of water, Brideaux says to be mindful about the reflection of the sun on the water, which can amplify the heat.

“If you’re out on open water — whether it’s lakes or rivers — eye protection is also very very key, that reduces or blocks the UV light from entering your eyes,” he explained.

It’s also important to look out for children during extreme temperatures.

“Be particularly careful with young children — they don’t tolerate the sun and heat the way normal, healthy adults do and they’re not typically paying attention to their bodies and moderating their activities in the heat and sun,” Brideaux said. “So younger children will definitely experience the symptoms of heat exhaustion before adults.”

He suggests offering them lots of liquids before they express being thirsty,