With hot weather expected over the next week, the City of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response Monday. It’s expected to end on Tuesday, July 23.
This activation is put in place to help protect vulnerable people in hot weather. It helps people avoid dehydration by providing access to drinking water and cool places to rest.
Edmonton is forecast to see temperatures as high as 35 C over the next eight days.
“After some much needed rain this weekend, we’re in for another stretch of hot and dry weather,” Global News weather specialist Ciara Yaschuk said. “A strong upper ridge has settled over Western Canada and is here to stay for the next 10 days.
“Heat like this can be dangerous and it’s crucial to remember to drink lots of water, avoid prolonged outdoor activity and check in on those who are at high risk of developing heat-related illnesses,” Yaschuk said.
“Another helpful tip: avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol in the sun as it causes dehydration.”
On Monday afternoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning for nearly the entire province.
“A prolonged heat event is expected,” Environment Canada said. “For the next eight to 10 days, daytime highs will be between 28 and 35 degrees Celsius and overnight lows will range from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. This heat warning is likely to be expanded to include additional regions of Alberta.”
The city is providing 24-hour access to potable water at bottle-filling stations attached to fire hydrants, including at Bissell Centre, the CIBC downtown, Central McDougall and Queen Mary Park, Immigration Hall, Wîhkwêntôwin (Oliver), Alberta Avenue, Belvedere, Beverly, Niginan Housing Ventures, Norwood, Unity Square, Emily Murphy Park, Mill Creek Ravine, Old Strathcona Farmers Market, Millwoods Transit Station, Butler Park, Callingwood and West Edmonton Mall Interim Transit Centre.
All peace officers will have water bottles to give to vulnerable people in need, the city said.
Anyone who needs a break from the heat can go to any open city facility, including libraries, pools and rec centres. Those places will also have water bottles to distribute.
Edmontonians are asked to check in on older family, friends and neighbours.
If you see someone outside that you’re concerned for, call 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team.