The heat and humidity in Airdrie lately have likely had many people turning on their air conditioners or trying to get their hands on portable or window A/C units.

There have been several heat warnings lately and coupled with the humidity it has felt warmer than usual.

Environment Canada meteorologist Dan Kulak explains why the humidity makes it harder for people to cool down.

“When you have warm temperatures and high humidity at the same time it reduces the amount of sweat that can evaporate from a person’s skin. Sweating is a cooling process and when you have a reduced ability to sweat, your body tends to get warmer,” he said. “Just like wind and windchill in the wintertime, the heat and humidity come together in the summertime and make it feel warmer in most circumstances.”

The heat and humidity can also present a greater risk when it comes to heat-related health concerns. Leaving children or pets in a hot vehicle is never something people should do, but can be more dangerous with increased humidity.

“Heat can be a significant threat to life. Putting pets, children and elderly people in vehicles on warm days, those warm vehicles can turn into life-threatening situations in the number of minutes that is less than the fingers on your hands. It does happen that fast,” Kulak said.

Airdrie is expected to reach 30 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, though the humidity will likely make it feel warmer than that.

 

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