Heat warnings roll across parts of Alberta ahead of long weekend

It’s going to be a hot end to the week for regions of Alberta, according to Environment Canada.

The agency issued heat warnings for the north, south and east parts of the province Wednesday, with essentially only Yellowhead County and the Rocky Mountain region being spared.

Northern communities affected by the warning include Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, High Level and surrounding areas.

Heat is also expected in Edmonton and areas to the east of the capital, like Lloydminster, Environment Canada said.

The warnings continue all the way down the eastern half of the province, with hot weather in the forecast for the Red Deer and Drumheller areas.

Hot temperatures are in the forecast for the southern parts of the province too.

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A heat warning has been issued for the city of Calgary, as well as the area west to Cochrane and south to the Canada-U.S. border, including Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

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Temperatures as high as 29 C are expected in the affected regions, with overnight lows around 14 C to 16 C until its expected to cool off this weekend, Environment Canada said.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion,” said Environment Canada.

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The agency recommends drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks from the heat in cool indoor spaces when possible.

It also urges people to check for children and pets before leaving their vehicles and to consider rescheduling outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.

Symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion can include high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness, Environment Canada said.

The weather agency added some are more likely to be affected by the heat, like infants, children, seniors, those with pre-existing conditions, outdoor workers and those who are socially isolated.

Most of the west part of the province, including the region west of Edmonton and the Rocky Mountain area, were spared from the heat warning.