Heat warnings issued across areas of southern Alberta

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings across parts of southern Alberta, forecasting high temperatures over the next three days.

The heat warnings include Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Drumheller, and other communities in southern Alberta.

The heat wave is expected to last until Tuesday, with the exception of Calgary, which will end on Monday.

"Temperatures reaching 29 C combined with overnight lows near 14 C are expected for the next three days," the agency said in an alert issued for Calgary.

These areas are now under a heat warning:

• Brooks - Strathmore - Vulcan.
• Cardston - Fort Macleod - Magrath.
• City of Calgary.
• Cypress Hills Provincial Park - Foremost.
• Drumheller - Three Hills.
• Hanna - Coronation - Oyen.
• Lethbridge - Taber - Milk River.
• Medicine Hat - Bow Island - Suffield.

Heat warnings are issued when the temperature is expected to pose an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

"Residents of and visitors to the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours," the agency said.

Precautions include rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler times of day, drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks from the heat in cooled indoor spaces, where possible.

"Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time," Environment Canada also advised.

It's also important, the agency said, to watch out for people who are especially vulnerable to the heat.

This includes "infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated."

Symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include high body temperature, a lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.

Alberta Health Services provides more heat-related health advice here.