After days of muggy weather that wasn't quite hot enough to warrant a heat warning, one is now in effect for Airdrie and many other areas in Rocky View and Mountain View counties.

Environment Canada placed the heat warning in effect for the following areas just before 4:00 pm this afternoon:

  • Rocky View County near Airdrie and Crossfield 
  • Rocky View County near Cochrane 
  • Rocky View County near Bottrel and Madden
  • Mountain View County near Carstairs and Stirlingville
  • Mountain View County  near Cremona and Water Valley
  • Mountain View County near Olds and Didsbury
  • Mountain View County near Sundre

Temperatures reaching 29 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 14 degrees Celsius are expected for the next three days, or the duration of the Heritage Day Weekend. 

Hot daytime and overnight temperatures are expected to return Saturday and will persist through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to moderate early next week.

Residents and visitors in the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours:

  • Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
  • Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
  • Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
  • Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.

Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness. Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including 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.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com