Break from the heat coming our way

TWO DAYS IN JULY BROKE TEMPERATURE RECORDS

So you think it was hot? Through July, Lethbridge residents endured 20 days when the afternoon highs hit 30 C or higher. And two of them were record-setters.

The good news, moving into August, is that the next week or two are expected to prove a little more moderate.

One of the new records, 36 degrees on July 7, exceeded the 35.6 degrees (changed to metric) that was set on July 7, 1886. The second, another 36 recorded last Saturday, bested the 1960 mark of 33.9 C for that day of the month.

The Weather Network reports the all-time high for the Lethbridge area was a sweltering 40 C (about 104 Fahrenheit) also going back to 1886 — the year the first Canadian rail line reached Vancouver.

West Coast residents are facing unheard-of heat this week, with the mercury rising to 30 in Vancouver and a sizzling 38 C in Chilliwack.

But southern Albertans can look for a break. After Tuesday evening’s shower — the first in weeks — the Weather Network says we can expect temperatures in the mid-20s by Friday and Saturday, with a 40 per cent chance of rain both days.

Looking further ahead, Weather Network analysts see no more 30 C days in southern Alberta over the next 14 days — although 29 C is a possibility. They also see a greater likelihood of showers.

The long weekend in Waterton Lakes National Park will see temperatures of 21 C on Saturday, rising to 27 on Sunday. Across the Great Divide, Fernie will see 27 degrees Saturday, 28 C Sunday, with a smoke warning.

But in Cranbrook, that smoke will be combined with temperatures as high as 32, forecasters say.