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By Shaun Penner

Historic Heat Wave

Heat warning issued for Grande Prairie area ahead of “potentially historic” heat wave

Jun 24, 2021 | 3:45 PM

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of northern Alberta ahead of a heat wave that is set to hit the province this weekend.

The weather office says “a prolonged, dangerous, and potentially historic heat wave will begin Friday in Alberta and will last through next week. Afternoon high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius on Friday will climb to the mid 30’s by Sunday, and could approach 40 degrees Celsius early next week.”

They add the overnight period will bring little to no reprieve during this heat wave, as overnight lows will remain between 15 and 20 degrees.

The weather authority says residents should take measures to protect themselves from the heat, like drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks from the heat.

“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.”

Friday’s daytime high is forecasted to be 31 degrees in Grande Prairie, before its expected to climb all the way up to 39 on both Tuesday and Wednesday.