Heat warnings issued for Calgary, Medicine Hat as temperatures soar

Heat warnings are in effect for Calgary and Medicine Hat as temperatures are forecast to soar into the low to mid-30s Celsius on Friday and Saturday. Calgary can expect highs in the low 30s on Friday, climbing to the mid-30s on Saturday, before a significant drop to around 20 C on Sunday. This is considerably warmer than the typical daytime temperature of 24 C for this time of year.

Nighttime temperatures will also be unseasonably warm. Calgary's overnight temperature on Friday is predicted to be 17 C, a stark contrast to the usual 10 C. Medicine Hat faces even more extreme heat, with daytime temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s on Friday and peak at 38 C on Saturday, before settling to a more seasonal 28 C on Sunday. Although not under an official warning, Lethbridge is also forecast to experience mid-30s on Friday and approach 40 C on Saturday.

Environment Canada advises residents to reschedule outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion, especially in children and pets. The region may also see an increase in wildfire smoke on Friday, potentially raising the Air Quality Health Index to "moderate" across southern and central Alberta, despite a limited risk of severe thunderstorms.