Hot weather on tap for day five of Calgary Stampede

Day 5 of the Calgary Stampede is set to be a scorcher, and visitors to the grounds are advised to prepare.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is forecasting a sunny 31 C and a UV index of eight, considered to be very high.

The evening will be cooler, with a low of 16 C.

Tuesday is TC Energy Community Day, so event-goers can get free admission to Stampede Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Military veterans and seniors can skip the entry fee all day and also pick up a coffee and donut in the BMO Centre Plaza until 11 a.m.

Those planning to take in the events should come prepared with sunscreen and a hat, and drink lots of water.

“It is going to be hot today, especially if you’re out on the concrete. Make sure to watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including headache or nausea, or dizziness, and drink plenty of water too,” said ECCC meteorologist Todd Day. “You want to make sure you don’t stay out in the sun too long.”

Temperatures are expected to be relatively warm for the remainder of the Calgary Stampede; Wednesday could see a high of 24 C with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, Thursday is likely the coolest day for the rest of the festival — a high of 21 C and a low of 11 C. Temperatures will pick back up again Friday with a sunny high of 26. The last Saturday of Stampede will also be warm, with a forecasted high of 26 C. Sunday will be cooler, with a high of 22 C and 60 per cent chance of rain.

660 NewsRadio meteorologist Kevin Stanfield says the predicted evening cool off should prevent the issuing of a heat warning.

As of Monday, 619,689 people had walked through the gates at Stampede Park to take in the action.

City monitoring water usage

The City of Calgary says water usage during periods of hot weather can jump anywhere from 30 to 40 per cent, which puts an extra strain on the water system as it works to keep up with demand.

“We’re closely monitoring river and weather conditions and watching the impacts of sustained heat and water demands,” said Nicole Newton, Manager of Natural Environment & Adaptation. “On Calgary’s hottest days, every effort to manage outdoor water use when watering lawns and yards helps maintain a reliable water supply for everyone.”

The city adds it’s committed to conserving water and promoting sustainable practices, and is taking proactive steps to manage its own water use. This includes reducing vehicle washing, turning off fountains that don’t recirculate water, and irrigating with non-potable water sources.

City officials say they are hoping to set an example for Calgarians to do their part during periods of high heat and increased water demand.

Some tips to manage outdoor water use include: reducing how long you water outdoors, skipping a watering day, watering during cooler hours, keeping grass three inches long, and using a rain barrel.

“We’re hopeful that temperatures ease up and a prolonged heat wave doesn’t materialize,” said Newton. “In the meantime, we’re closely monitoring conditions and are confident that, with everyone’s help, we can make every drop count. We’ll continue to keep Calgarians informed if anything changes.”

CityNews 24/7 and 660 NewsRadio Calgary have everything there is to know about traffic, weather, and more during the Calgary Stampede. Watch live here, or listen live here.