St. Albertans should stock up on sunscreen while they can as the Weather Network is forecasting almost two straight weeks of hot and sunny days.
In fact, the hot weather expected next week may produce heat warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), as forecasts show July 9 to July 11 of next week will have daytime highs of 31 C, and overnight lows of just 17 or 18 C.
The mix of daytime highs over 30 C and nighttime lows above 14 C meet the criteria for ECCC issuing a heat warning.
The potentially extreme heat isn't coming overnight though, as the Weather Network's forecast for this weekend, July 5 to 7, includes daytime highs hovering around the 25 C mark, with nighttime lows between 12 and 14 C.
ECCC's website says extreme heat events are a “growing public health risk in Canada.”
There are some things residents can do to try and manage the heat, such as drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen and hats, and taking advantage of shady spots, but ECCC also recommends taking plenty of rest as non-stop exertion in extreme heat can be dangerous.
The Weather Network's long-term forecast, as of July 3, shows no sign of cooler weather as the middle of July is still expected to have daytime highs above 25 C.
The daytime high today is a comparatively chilly 19 C with a chance of showers this afternoon and evening.
