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High temperatures bring heat warning for Sylvan Lake and Eckville

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the next two days
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Environment Canada is warning residents of Central Alberta, including Sylvan Lake and Eckville, of extreme warm temperatures over the next two days.

Just before 5 a.m. MDT Monday, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the area which will extend into the end of day Tuesday.

The next two days will experience a day time high of at least 29C with an overnight low no cooler than 14C.

“Heat Warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion,” the press release from Environment Canada states.

With such high temperatures over the course of two days, the weather advisory network is warning the risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion is very real.

A few symptoms residents are told to look out for are: such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.

Heat stroke and exhaustion is a particular concern for vulnerable individuals, this includes children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers as well as those who are socially isolated.

Those in the affected regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and neighbours:

- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.

- Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time indoors at cooled 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, for any length of time.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) also recommends recently applying sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before heading outside. Those heading outdoors should also wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants that cover skin and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

“If you start to feel overheated, stop your activity immediately, seek shade and drink fluids,” AHS states on its website.

Medical attention should be sought out if a person is feeling faint, according to AHS.

While awaiting medical attention residents and visitors are asked to:

move the individual to a shaded area

remove his or her outer clothing and shoes

wrap the person in a wet towel until medical care is being provided.

A low pressure system is expected to move through the province on Wednesday, bringing with it cooler temperatures and scattered showers.