EDMONTON

Heat warnings renewed for central, south Alberta with temperatures to top 30

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2020 7:21AM MDT Last Updated Tuesday, July 28, 2020 9:06PM MDT

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EDMONTON -- Heat warnings are once again in effect for much of central and south Alberta, with temperatures expected to push into the low 30s in some areas.

Environment Canada renewed heat warnings for a second straight day Tuesday warning that temperatures would reach 29 degrees or higher for at least the next two days.

Get today's in-depth forecast in Josh Classen's weather blog

"Residents of and visitors to the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours," Environment Canada said on its website.

Edmontonians found themselves facing not only the hottest day in nearly two years, but the muggiest day in over six years.

Those in affected regions are asked to consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day, take frequent breaks from the heat, drink plenty of water and check your vehicle for children or pets before exiting.

“We usually play at 2 every Tuesday, and with the heat, we said you know what, let’s go in at 10, early as we can,” said Mike Power, a tennis player out in the heat.

According to CTV News Edmonton’s Josh Classen despite the heat stretching throughout the week in the city, this isn’t technically a heatwave.

“It’s generally considered a heatwave if you have five or more days five degrees above average. As hot as it’s going to be this week we’re not getting five straight days of 29.”

Cooling down wasn’t necessarily easy, the city of Edmonton kept outdoor pools closed amid health restrictions. The City Hall wading pool, which was supposed to have a grand reopening after being refurbished, also stayed closed.

Spray parks are open but city officials are reminding people to follow public health guidelines.

“Our enforcement officers are following up on complaints of social distancing issues at spray parks and educating people when there is non-compliance,” said Teresa Marshall with the City of Edmonton.

“We understand that this hot weather makes outdoor spaces like spray parks very attractive for families but we ask that Edmontonians continue to practice social distancing.”

Marshall said that if there continues to be issues the city may have to enact “escalated measures may be required to ensure public safety is maintained.”

Environment Canada warns Albertans that heat stroke is possible in high temperatures, with symptoms including high temperatures, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.

The heat warnings are in effect for the following regions: