Environment Canada issues heat warnings for southern Alberta

Environment Canada issued a heat warning Friday for Calgary and parts of southern Alberta, with the agency stating the heat wave is expected to be "prolonged, dangerous, and potentially historic."

The agency said temperatures could approach 40C in some areas early next week. Little to no reprieve is expected overnight, it said,as overnight lows will remain between 15 and 20 degrees C.

• Environment Canada issues warning for 'prolonged, dangerous' heat wave in northern Alberta

Calgary has the potential of five or six days where the maximum temperature could reach or exceed 32 C, said KyleFougre,a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The last time Calgary had a stretch with five days of 32 C was in 1914.

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Heat safety

The high temperatures and duration of the event mean an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, Environment Canada said.

The agency is urging Albertans to:

• Rescheduleoutdoor activities to cooler times in the day.
• Takefrequent breaks from the heat and spendtime in cool indoor places when possible.
• Drinkplenty of water.
• Never leaving any person or pet inside a closed vehicle.

Albertans are also urged to monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Symptoms include high body temperature, lack of sweat, fainting, unconsciousness and confusion.