Staying cool is not an easy feat during this week’s heat wave, but there are some things to keep in mind as the mercury rises in Calgary.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning and urges the public to stay cool to avoid any health risks. The heat warning, which was updated at 9:46 a.m. Tuesday, said that you could see temperatures up to 37 degrees, with overnight lows ranging from the mid-teens to the low-20s.  

Here’s why Calgary is so hot right now.

According to Alyssa Peterson, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the reason for the heat is the lack of jet streams moving through Alberta. Peterson described a jet stream as “a band of stronger winds through the atmosphere,” and is the earth’s way of balancing out hot and cold temperatures.

The jet streams are currently moving northwest of British Columbia up into the Northwest Territories, causing a large area of stagnant air in parts of western Canada, resulting in the high temperatures Calgary has been seeing. It hasn’t quite met the threshold of being a heat dome, like what’s being experienced in Arizona and Nevada, Peterson said.

Between 4 and 5 p.m. is the time of day when temperatures are reaching their peak and Wednesday, July 10, 2024, is expected to be the hottest day of this heat event.

Although it is not out of the ordinary to experience heat events like this in July and August, Peterson says there is something strange about the high temperatures this time around.

“Usually we’ll have these low-pressure systems or storms move through and drop those temperatures back down to 20 Celsius for a couple of days. In this case, we spent May and June below normal and they were relatively cold. We came into summer really quickly and it’s going to be hot right through the end of July,” said Peterson.

Staying cool – and safe – in Calgary’s summer sizzler

To keep it cool for the rest of the month check out one of many spray parks in Calgary, open 9 a.m to 9 p.m.

Prairie Winds Park – 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E 

Prairie Winds features a unique playground, spray park, 16 hectares of park space and a wading pool that you can look forward to using once the water restrictions are lifted.  

Century Gardens – 826 8 Ave S.W. 

Centrally located downtown, this spray park is a perfect spot for anyone looking to cool off after a long day of work or stampeding. It also boasts beautiful Devonian gardens and fountains throughout the park.  

Prestwick Fountain Park – 27 Prestwick Common 

Surrounded by beautiful pathways, gardens and an impressive spray park, this spot is the perfect place to take the family to cool off if you are in southeast Calgary. 

Somerset Park – 999 Somerset Drive S.W  

An inclusive spray park that is accessible for any ability level. The park provides accessible parking, pathways, parks and even quiet areas for less stimulating play.  

Valleyview Park – 28 St. and 30 Ave. S.E. 

Overlooking downtown and located not from the center of the city, Valleyview Park offers a spray park and many other amenities making it an ideal spot for keeping cool.  

West Confederation Park – 2020 Chicoutimi Dr. N.W 

Not only does Confederation offer excellent shade coverage from the beautiful trees all around the park but it also offers a spray park, perfect for Calgarians living in the northwest.  

For more information on Calgary’s spray parks and wading pools visit https://www.calgary.ca/parks/activities/outdoor-pools-spray-parks.html  

More health and safety tips 

Alberta Health Services is encouraging citizens to take simple health precautions to stay safe during these record-breaking temperatures.  

Staying inside -Keep blinds and curtains closed, use air conditioning if possible, or retreat to cooler areas of the house such as basements. Other suggestions include visiting air-conditioned areas such as shopping centre’s or libraries.  

Cool showers, baths and cold towels applied to the neck are useful tools to keep yourself from overheating.  

Going outside – Ensure you have a place to take a break from the sun in the shade to cool off, get lots of fluids that are non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated, and avoid vigorous exercise.  

Protection – Protecting yourself from the sun’s harsh UV rays is of the utmost importance if you plan to be outdoors during the heat wave. UV protected clothing is one way to keep you safe from the sun.  

Broad-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is highly recommended. Apply liberally at least 20 minutes before going outside and apply often, especially after swimming or other forms of exercise.  

Be cauitious of the medications you are taking that may increase health risks from heat exposure. 

Refer to Health Canada’s Acute Care During Extreme Heat to find out if your medication is a risk factor and for other tips.  

Protecting your pets – Lastly, make sure to keep your pets safe as they are vulnerable to extreme heat. It is recommended to walk your pets early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures have decreased, and if possible, let them walk on the grass. 

Keep their water fresh and a spray bottle close by to cool them off.  

Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.   

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, if you are experiencing symptoms after spending time in the sun, seek medical attention immediately.  

According to AHS signs of heat stroke include confusion, severe restlessness or anxiety, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, lack of sweat, dizziness, fainting, or unconsciousness.