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By Shane Clausing

Heat Warning

Environment Canada reminding people to stay hydrated during hot August Long Weekend

Jul 31, 2020 | 1:45 PM

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for most of Alberta, the Peace Region included, for this August long weekend.

Heat warnings are in place for Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Valleyview, Fairview, Peace River, High Prairie, Manning, Hinton, Grande Cache, and the Fort Vermilion-High Level areas.

Temperatures reaching 29 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 14 degrees Celsius are expected for the next three days.

Kyle Fougere with Environment Canada says Grande Prairie residents should be in for a beautiful weekend.

“It (the temperature) is quite a bit above normal for this time of year right now and that’s because there’s a ridge of high pressure in the area. Ridges of high pressure tend to bring clear skies and warmer conditions, which is what we’re seeing in the Grande Prairie area.”

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“We are forecasting 29 degrees today (Friday), 29 tomorrow (Saturday) and 28 Sunday and the records for this time of year for those three days are around 32, 32, and 30 so it looks like we probably won’t reach the records, but it’ll still be quite warm for the August long weekend.”

With warm temperatures in store for the long weekend, Fougere is reminding people to stay hydrated while outside and watch for signs of heatstroke.

“With the heat landing on the long weekend people are likely to go outside and enjoy it, and it’s important if you have outdoor activities to take frequent breaks and take some time in cooled indoor spaces and to drink plenty of water.”

“Of course with this heat, it’s important to monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which is high body temperature, a lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, or lack of consciousness.”

Fougere adds that infants, children, seniors, or people with preexisting conditions are the most susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

According to Fougere, temperatures heading into next week are going to drop to more seasonable conditions, however, he says he’s expecting there is a slight possibility that the months of September or October could show above-average temperatures.