Scorcher forecasted just in time for Stampede

In the giddyup to Stampede, expect scorching temperatures over the next week.

Calgarians will feel temperatures near 30 C over the next week, and “it doesn’t actually look like there’s much of an end in sight,” said Robyn Dyck, meteorologist with Environment Canada.

Dyck said the normal high at this time of year in Calgary is 22 with a low of 10, but Calgarians can expect to hit a high of 32 C on Friday, according to Environment Canada’s forecast.

“It does seem like we’re above normal, but it’s summer on the Prairies, so I wouldn’t say it’s out of the range of possibilities,” Dyck said.

Just east of Calgary, heat warnings were in effect Sunday in Drumheller, Medicine Hat, Strathmore, Cypress Hills Provincial Park and other areas.

Environment Canada issues heat warnings when very high temperatures or humidity conditions are expected or pose risks of heat illnesses.

“The thresholds are two days in a row, so two days of highs of 32 degrees and a nighttime low, in between, of 16 degrees,” Dyck said.

Although Calgary wasn’t under a hot-weather warning Sunday, she said it’s good for residents to take the same precautions and keep an eye out for updated weather alerts.

EMS spokesman Adam Loria said residents should prepare for a hot day the night before.

He urges Calgarians to hydrate with plenty of water, get a good night’s rest, wear a hat to protect from UV rays, use sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 — and, very importantly, reapply.

“If something doesn’t feel right, if you feel dizzy or light-headed, obviously listen to your body,” said Loria, who recommends taking a break from outdoor activities and telling a friend, neighbour or even stranger because heatrelated emergencies can be life threatening.

He also urges people to look out for one another.

“If someone doesn’t look right, if they’re confused or stumbling around, get them into a cool area, hydrate them, remove any tight or restrictive clothing and you may have just saved their life,” Loria said.

Additionally, with temperatures exceeding averages, Loria said people should not leave any person or pet in a car.

It can take less than a minute for the interior temperature of a vehicle to rise exponentially and threaten an occupant’s safety.