Heat, air quality warnings issued for areas of central and southern Alberta

With temperatures in areas around Calgary and Medicine Hat forecast to soar into the low to mid-30s over the next couple days, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued “yellow” heat warnings for the two cities

In Calgary, a temperature in the low-30s is forecast for Friday, spiking into the mid-30s on Saturday, before dropping back to around 20 C on Sunday

The normal daytime temperature for this time of year is around 24 C

Environment Canada says residents should consider rescheduling outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water if you need to be outside, keep an eye on children, pets and other susceptible to the heat and monitor for symptoms of heat exhaustion, including high body temperatures, confusion and lack of consciousness

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Nighttime temperatures are also forecast to be higher than normal, with the overnight temperature in Calgary on Friday dropping to 17 C, compared to the normal temperature of 10 C

Even hotter temperatures are expected in Medicine Hat where a daytime temperature in the mid-30s is expected on Friday, and soaring to 38 C on Saturday, before it drops back into a more seasonable 28 C on Sunday

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While Lethbridge is not officially included in the heat warning, the temperature is forecast to hit the mid-30s on Friday and approach 40 C on Saturday, before dropping back to the mid-20s on Sunday

Daytime temperatures in all three cities are expected to increase again in the middle of next week to the mid-20s in Calgary and around 30 C in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge

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While the risk of severe thunderstorms is expected to be limited on Friday to the far north of the Alberta, there is expected to be an increase in the amount of wildfire smoke moving into some parts of the province

Late Friday morning, Environment Canada issued air quality warnings for areas along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, stretching from Peace Country in the north to Lethbridge in the south

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The poor air quality is expected to continue through Saturday in most areas, although Environment Canada said the visibility and air quality “can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.”

The national weather agency also issued a warning that, as smoke levels increase, people should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed

The people most susceptible to health problems caused by wildfire smoke include those aged 65 and older, infants and young children, those who are pregnant and people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions