BOW VALLEY – Canmore, Kananaskis Country, the MD of Bighorn and Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation are under a heat warning for the next eight to 10 days.
Daytime highs starting Tuesday (July 16) are expected to reach between 28 and 36 Celsius with overnight temperatures of 12 to 20 C.
“This heat warning is likely to be expanded going forward,” states an alert from Environment Canada.
Banff and Lake Louise aren’t currently under a heat warning; however, temperatures are forecasted to be in the 30s.
The heat warning alert asks residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves and others.
- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
- Take frequent breaks from the heat, spend 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 and 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,” states Environment Canada.
The alerts also said to pay attention to those who can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat like infants, children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers and those who are socially isolated.
For more heat health advice, visit: albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx.
Additionally, Canmore, the Calgary Forest Area (CFA), which includes Kananaskis, the MD of Bighorn and Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda, and Banff as of July 17 are under a fire ban until conditions improve.
The fire bans, which came into effect last week, prohibit any wood campfires in both public and private land, campgrounds and backyard fire pits. Barbecues with charcoal briquettes, fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.
Propane and natural gas appliances, indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor, open flame devices, such as tiki torches, approved by the Canada Standards Association and used per the manufacture’s standards are allowed during the bans.
Report wildfires immediately to 310-FIRE (3473).
In Banff, wildfires and illegal campfires can be reported to 403-762-4506.
As of July 17, there are currently 127 active wildfires in the province, including carryover but not mutual aid wildfires, and there has been 722 wildfires extinguished this year, not including carryover or mutual aid wildfires.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ABStorm.
