Heat warnings issued for most of southern, east

Heat warnings issued for most of southern, east-central Alberta

Hottest conditions expected in southeastern Alberta, with daytimes highs of 34 to 38 C

After a stormy start to Alberta’s summer, very hot conditions are settling in across parts of the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued heat warnings early Thursday morning for the southern and east-central regions of the province.

The agency says heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illness, like heatstroke or heat exhaustion.

In east-central and southwestern Alberta, daytime conditions are expected to reach 30 C or higher over the next three days, ECCC said.

In the far southeast of the province, a long-duration heatwave continues with daytime high temperatures expected to reach between 34 and 38 C. ECCC said this heat wave is expected to continue for most of next week as well.

In Edmonton, the city said in a statement Thursday morning that it has extended its extreme heat weather response until Sunday.

The city said its heat response is activated when daytime temperatures are forecast to be 29 C or higher for at least three days in a row. The response started on Wednesday morning and was initially expected to end on Saturday before being extended.

As part of the response, the city has installed 29 potable water stations attached to fire hydrants across the city to help vulnerable Edmontonians.

Amid the heat warnings, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is reminding residents about the dangers of leaving animals in vehicles when there is hot weather.

So far this year, EPS has received 51 calls reporting pets being left unattended in dangerous temperatures.

Even in the shade with windows cracked, temperatures inside vehicles can rise quickly, putting animals left inside at high risk.

Signs of distress in animals can include excessive panting and drooling, convulsions, unconsciousness, vomiting and diarrhea.

Residents who see an animal left unattended in a vehicle are encouraged to report it. If the animal is in immediate distress they can call 911. For non-emergency situations, they can contact animal control at 311.

EPS said they are currently focused on using these situations as education opportunities, but under the new animal care and control bylaw, leaving a pet unattended in a hot a vehicle can result in a $500 fine, and in extreme cases, owners can face criminal charges.

Police said the safest option in the heat is to plan ahead. If no pet friendly spaces are available it is best to leave your pets at home.