By Liam Verster

Record High Temperatures

Four temperature records set in Grande Prairie over weekend, more expected in coming days

Jun 28, 2021 | 12:28 PM

Grande Prairie saw four temperature records set over the weekend, but a meteorologist with Environment Canada says more records are likely to be smashed in the coming days.

The high pressure system that has caused the heatwave across much of Western Canada the past several days resulted in the mercury climbing to record heights in Grande Prairie over the weekend.

“It was 33.5 degrees [Saturday], and the old [June 26] record was 32.3 set in 2006, and then [Sunday], the temperature was 36.1, and that broke the [June 27] record of 29.3, also set in 2006,” says Environment Canada meteorologist Alysa Pederson.

“Also of note, [Sunday’s] record was two different records as well. It was the new highest temperature ever recorded in June, so 36.1 [Sunday] and the old record for June was 33.3, June 3, 1970. So that record was actually broken on Saturday with the 33.5, and re-broken again on Sunday with the 36.1.

“But then you also broke the all-time record temperature Grande Prairie has ever had. So the old record was 35.6 on July 22, 2006, and so 36.1 is the new all-time high for Grande Prairie.”

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While the records were set over the weekend, Pederson warns that the current forecast calls for highs fluctuating between the high 30s and low 40s over the next few days.

“As we go through [Monday, Tuesday] and into Wednesday, the temperatures currently forecast are even higher than what you saw [Sunday]. So the all-time record was broken [Sunday] for the first time, but there is a chance that it could be broken again [Monday] and then again [Tuesday].”

Pederson adds that as the week progresses, a low pressure system is expected to move in underneath the northern ridge of the current system.

“So that could be bringing some thunderstorm activity and some showers to Northern Alberta, which could impact Grande Prairie. I see there’s a 60 per cent chance of showers on Thursday. Whether that plays out to impact Grande Prairie or someplace more north like Peace River is still kind of up in the air at this point, but it looks like there will be a slight cool down for kind of Thursday through late this week before it rebuilds again into the weekend.”

The upper 20s that are forecasted for the last half of the week will still be well above the seasonal average of lower 20s, and though it won’t set any new all-time records, daily records may be set.

Pederson says as the hot weather continues to bake the Peace Country, people should be sun smart and limit their time out in the sun, avoid physical exertion and exercise in the heat, stay hydrated, and monitor those more vulnerable of heat illness, such as children, the elderly, and people with underlying health issues..

“When we get temperatures this hot, everybody is vulnerable to heat. Know the signs of heat illness, like feeling faint, dizzy, losing consciousness is obviously a pretty big one. Having a feverish temperature, feeling nauseous, or having a rapid pulse, all of things are signs of heat illness.”

She says heat illness, like heat stroke, sun stroke and heat exhaustion, can develop very quickly, and in the event of serious instances, people should call 911.