Two western Alberta communities set new daily high temperature records on July 28, 2022.

According to meteorologists with Environment and Climate Change Canada, a new record of 32.3 degrees Celsius was set in the Nordegg area, unofficially beating the old record of 31.0 degrees Celsius set in 2020. Records in this area have been kept since 1915.

Also, in the Sundre area, a new record of 30.0 degrees Celsius was unofficially set on Thursday, beating the old record of 29.7 degrees Celsius, also set back in 2020. Records in this area have been kept since 1993.

Environment Canada notes, however, these figures may contain preliminary or unofficial information and does not constitute a complete or final report.

Meanwhile, a Heat Warning remains in effect for most parts of Alberta, including the Rocky Mountain House-Caroline area and Nordegg-Forestry Trunk Road Highway 734 regions.

Meteorologists say daytime high temperatures ranging from near 29 degrees Celsius to the mid 30s combined with overnight lows ranging from near 14 degrees Celsius to the high teens are expected. Extreme temperatures are anticipated to ease for some regions on Saturday.

A Heat Warning is in effect for:

• Brazeau Co. near Brazeau Dam
• Brazeau Co. near Cynthia and Lodgepole
• Clearwater Co. near Caroline and James River Bridge
• Clearwater Co. near Rocky Mtn House and Crimson Lake
• O’Chiese 203 Res. and Clearwater Co. near Sunchild Cree Res.
• Yellowhead Co. near Minnow and Wolf Lakes and Elk River

Residents of and visitors to 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.

Residents are reminded to monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.

You’re asked to 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.

For more heat health advice, visit: www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx.

For the latest update on the Heat Warning, click here.