While Calgary and the surrounding areas are currently not under any heat warnings (as of Wednesday at 6 a.m.), that could change later in the day as a ridge of high pressure brings a lot of warm air into southern Alberta. The typical criteria for a heat warning to be issued for Calgary is three consecutive days of highs of 29 C or warmer and overnight lows of 15 C or warmer. That’s certainly going to be the case for the city with a high of 29 C in store Wednesday with the humidex making it feel like 32. Meanwhile, areas to the south of the city, such as Medicine Hat, are already meeting the threshold for a yellow-level heat warning with a high of 33 C this afternoon. Thursday, Friday and Saturday will have highs in the low thirties before we start to see a breakdown in this ridge pattern on Sunday, though temperatures will remain above seasonal. Air quality doesn’t appear to be an issue for now, but that situation can quickly change if new wildfires erupt – which is always the concern when we enter these prolonged periods of heat. As Calgarians enjoy the summer weather, make sure to take the necessary precautions to protect both your health in the sun and do your part to not start any wildfires such as properly disposing of cigarette butts.
