The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme-heat weather response until at least Sunday, as temperatures are set to hit 29 C or climb even higher.
The weather response was activated at 9 a.m. on Thursday and is expected to last until 9 a.m. on Sunday, the city said in a Thursday news release.
The extreme-heat response is activated when daytime temperatures are forecast to be 29 C or higher for at least three days in a row.
“Those weather symptoms are typically the reason why we would see fair weather, sunny skies, and warm temperatures,” said Colin Fong, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. “Sometimes regions of high pressure establish themselves (and are) hard to move, so we tend to see a multi-day heat event.”
Both Fong and the City of Edmonton warn residents that being exposed to intense heat for prolonged periods is dangerous and could do severe harm. The city suggests several ways residents can keep themselves and each other safe during this short heat wave, including making sure to check on their friends, neighbours, and older family members.
“Certainly, there’s much more concern when we talk about the dangers and risks for those with unrelated illnesses and the most vulnerable,” Fong said. “After two days, three days of moist, warm weather, vulnerable populations are at the highest risk.”
The city will make potable water available at 29 water stations attached to fire hydrants across Edmonton. Peace officers will carry water bottles for especially vulnerable citizens to keep cool. There will also be free N95 masks at city facilities.
The coming forecast also shows a chance of showers, which Fong says will definitely impact the way residents experience the heat. He warns that the rainfalls Edmonton experienced earlier in the summer left moisture trapped in the ground, which evaporates as temperatures rise.
“But that high-pressure ridge traps the moisture, so that humidity comes into play as well,” Fong said. “That’s why, even for today (Thursday), our humidex values are expected around 33 C.”
If you are concerned about someone suffering from the heat, you can call 311 to reach the city’s 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team, or 911 if they are in serious distress.
You can find information on the city’s extreme heat response page at edmonton.ca.
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