Calgary under heat warning with extended stretch of hot weather expected

A heat warning is now in effect for the City of Calgary with an extended stretch of hot weather expected to stick around through the weekend.

Environment Canada issued the warning early Tuesday, saying daytime high temperatures will linger near 30 C for several days with overnight lows between 12 C and 16 C.

The warning is urging resident to take precautions and protect themselves from the heat. People are asked to take breaks, spend time in cooler indoor spaces whenever possible, drink lots of water, and to not leave children or pets inside vehicles for any length of time.

“Generally, the first thing EMS encounter are people who are suffering from exhaustion, a precursor to true heatstroke,” says Stuart Brideaux with Alberta Health Services. “Heat exhaustion occurs when excessive fluid has been lost from prolonged periods of sweating.”

“People may just feel unwell with headaches, weakness, fatigue, or nausea and vomiting.”

Brideaux says if you can’t actually sweat, that’s a sign of heat stroke and a cue to call 911.

The heat is expected to break early next week. More on Calgary’s forecast and current conditions can be found here.

Outdoor workers gear up for hot, dry conditions

The stretch of hot weather for Calgary comes on the heels of a report by the World Health Organization that issues new guidelines to protect workers from increasing heat stress.

The WHO report suggests that rising heat around the globe is a public health crisis for workers, putting them at a high risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and cardiovascular and kidney damage.

For outdoor workers in the city, this week’s weather can prove to be extra challenging.

“Stay cool, take regular breaks,” says construction worker Mark Williams on the best ways to deal with the heat. “Stay hydrated, so drink lots of water if you can. Try and stay inside if you can, or go inside when you can. Try not to wear too many layers if possible.”

One worker who has been in the construction industry for nearly two decades says he doesn’t really have a choice but to show up, no matter the weather.  

“Nobody’s going to pay your bills right,” says Sonam Topden. “So you have to go to work, you have to make eight hours of work.”

Environment Canada cautions people to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion – including headache, nausea, dizziness and intense fatigue.

People should also consider rescheduling outdoor activities to the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.