July was one hot and steamy month — and it’s not over yet.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Bill McMurtry said typically the daily mean temperature for July was 15.9C over the last 30 years in Red Deer. So far this month, the average temperature 17.1C, 1.2 degrees warmer.
“Once you get one or more degrees above normal, that’s significant,” said McMurtry.
Most places in Alberta have experienced a warmer than average July.
And it doesn’t look like the heat is going to let up anytime soon.
Expect the sun to keep on shining over the next couple of days with little wind heading into the weekend.
“It’s going to feel full on like summer over the next few days,” said McMurtry. “That’s all attributed to an upper ridge of high pressure that is situated over Western Canada, northwestern United States and that’s producing warm temperatures for that entire area.”
McMurtry said it won’t be record-breaking temperatures but nice warm temperatures with daytime highs approaching 30C. Today and Thursday will bring highs of 29C.
Some instability will move into the area on the weekend, with the possibility of some daytime showers developing on Friday and Saturday.
The Friday-Saturday temperatures will hover around 23C, six degrees cooler than what is to come over the next two days.
“As we get to holiday Monday, we’re back to sunshine and nice warm temperatures,” said McMurtry.
Monday’s high is expected to reach 26C.
The warmest day so far this month was on July 9, with the average temperature of 21.3C.
Alberta Health Services reminds residents to practise sun and heat safety in the warmer months.
With rising temperatures, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or sunstroke.
To avoid sunburns and heat-related illness, AHS recommends applying frequently a sunscreen of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30, at least 20 minutes before going outside, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (with a UVA/UVB CSA certified seal). If possible, wear light-coloured long pants and long-sleeved shirts that cover skin.
Drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com