While temperatures are set to skyrocket again, health officials are urging residents to stay cool, and the energy regulator is asking residents to conserve energy.

Alberta Health Services issued a heat advisory for the Edmonton Zone Wednesday, prompted by a forecast of high temperatures in the Capital Region.

Over the rest of the day, heat advisories were also issued for Elk Island National Park, Fort Chipewyan, Lac La Biche and area, Mildred Lake, Slave Lake, Vegreville, Wainwright and Whitecourt.

As a result, Edmontonians are advised to take precautions to protect themselves, and stay cool – measures include doing outdoor activities during the cooler hours of the day, taking breaks from the heat, and spending time indoors in cooled buildings, and drinking plenty of water, and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks to stay hydrated.

In addition, residents were reminded to not leave a person, or pet inside a closed vehicle in the heat, to apply sunscreen, at least an SPF 30, about 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply as often as possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and wear light-coloured long sleeved shirts and pants that cover the skin.

People were also advised to keep an eye out for symptoms of heat stroke, including high body temperature, lack of sweat, disorientation, fainting and unconsciousness.

AHS said children, seniors, people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to feeling the effects of excessive heat.

Officials said the heat advisory will remain in place until 11 a.m., August 2 – as the forecasted high temperatures are expected to continue for the next 72 hours.

AESO asks Albertans to conserve energy due to heat streak

In addition, Alberta’s energy operator is asking residents to reduce electricity use, in an effort to reduce stress on the system.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is asking Albertans to conserve energy by turning of unnecessary lights and appliances, minimize their use of air conditioning, closing blinds, shades or drapes during the hottest part of the day, and run any major appliances after 7 p.m., or during off-peak hours.

“We’re seeing really low wind generation so all those things combined means the grid is definitely operating at full capacity,” Angela Anderson with AESO said.

Officials said later Wednesday that all systems were running as normal.

With files from Dan Grummett