By Liam Verster

High of 32 degrees

Possible record daily high in Grande Prairie prompts call for caution in heat

Jul 27, 2020 | 12:06 PM

UPDATE (5:10 p.m. July 27): According to Environment Canada, the temperature at 4 and 5 p.m. Monday hit 30.4 degrees at the Grande Prairie Airport, just two-tenths of a degree short of the daily record of 30.6 degrees set in 1932.

With the possibility of having a record breaking temperature on Monday in Grande Prairie, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada is warning the public to be cautious, and to look out for others.

The forecast for July 27, 2020, calls for a high of 32 degrees. The previous record high temperature for that day was set in 1932, when the temperature was recorded at 30.6 degrees. The most recent hottest July 27 was recorded in 2009, when the mercury rose to 29.2 degrees.

Natalie Hasell, a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says though everyone can be affected by the heat, there are certain people who are more at risk of heat illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Those include the elderly, infants, the homeless, and those will previous medical issues.

“There are chronic illnesses like breathing problems, kidney issues, diabetes, cardiovascular, that can make one more susceptible to heat illness. You might see symptoms get worse, or you might see other symptoms than those associated with heat illness become particularly bad.”

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She adds that those with mental health issues may also see adverse effects from the heat, but not necessarily because of their condition, and instead because of their medication. She says people should talk to their pharmacists, and find out what sort of side effects their medication could have, and how it may make someone more susceptible to things like the heat.

Hasell says those that work or exercise in the heat should also be cautious, and take some steps to make sure they’re not over-exposed. She says strenuous outdoor activity should be avoided, but if necessary, then have plans to take breaks in cool and shaded areas that are long enough to sufficiently cool down, and to drink lots of water.

Hasell also asks the public to look out for those most vulnerable nearby, whether they are friends, family members, or neighbours. She also asks that people do not leave children or pets inside vehicles, as the temperatures inside can be substantially hotter than those outside.

Though the mercury may climb above 30 on Monday, the rest of the week is expected to see season averages of the mid- to high-20s for the rest of the week.