The hot weather will be sticking around for the next couple days and Alberta Health Services has sent out a heat advisory for the Calgary area.

The forecast is calling for temperatures in the 30s this weekend and residents are reminded to take precautions to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

AHS says people should be mindful of the heat and take the following precautions.

  • Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day
  • Take frequent breaks from heat, spending time indoors at cooled public buildings (including malls or indoor pools)
  • Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated
  • Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle
  • Apply a sunscreen of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30, at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors.  Be sure the SPF 30 screens out both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply frequently (as directed on product label)
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a UVA/UVB CSA certified seal)
  • Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover skin.

Health officials say people should also keep an eye out for heat stroke including high body temperature, lack of sweat, disorientation, fainting and unconsciousness.

“Normal activity that may be safe on a cool day might be dangerous in current weather conditions. If you start to feel overheated, stop your activity immediately, seek shade and drink fluids," said Dr. Brent Friesen, Medical Officer of Health, Calgary Zone. “Seek medical attention immediately for any individual feeling faint.  While awaiting medical attention, move the individual to a shaded area, and remove his or her outer clothing and shoes.  You should also wrap the person in a wet towel until medical care is being provided.”

The heat advisory is expected to remain in effect for the next 72 hours.

ENMAX is also watching the high temperatures, saying the spike in temperatures is putting pressure on the city’s power grid.

“One particular hot day doesn’t necessarily pose a big problem, however, after a series of hot days – and that’s exactly what we’re going to see – is when there could be issues and, ironically, on Mondays is when we have the biggest draw of power,” says ENMAX spokesperson Doris Kaufman Woodcock. “So, you have a number of buildings downtown that have been vacant during the weekend because people have gone home and enjoyed their weekend, but then they’re coming back on Monday and now the air conditioning is being ramped up yet again.”

The peak hours for power consumption is typically between 4-7 p.m. when people get home, but, in the summer, it’s between noon and 4 p.m. when air conditioners are in high use.

The UV index for Calgary is rated as very high (8) and that means some extra precautions will be required to avoid skin damage and sunburn.

Calgary EMS are offering the following tips to help Calgarians manage in the hot weather:

  • Stay hydrated with water - proper hydration begins the day before you plan to be outside for a long period
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they tend to dehydrate your body
  • Apply waterproof sunscreen and reapply frequently as it's effectiveness degrades over time
  • Wear protective clothing like a hat, sunglasses, and, if possible, light-coloured long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
  • Avoid strenuous activity and seek shade for short periods to rest if you are working

Adam Loria, with Alberta Health Services, says that children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, but everyone should be mindful of these illnesses.

The Mustard Seed is making sure Calgary's homeless stay hydrated during the heat wave and is proving bottled water to help prevent heat-related illness.

The organization is accepting donations of bottled water from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week and anyone who wants to contribute can drop off water donations at 102 11 Avenue S.E.

Environment Canada issued a Special Weather Statement for the city and parts of southern and central Alberta on Friday and says temperatures are expected to be well above normal.

A full forecast can be found on our weather page.