Calgary Weather: Long heat wave begins, daytime temperatures between 28C and 36C for at least a week

Heat warnings have been issued for the Prairies due to the continued heat in the region.

A blocking pattern will prevent normal flow in the upper water layers, resulting in continued sunshine after Thursday and higher temperatures from today.

Tuesday and Wednesday will continue to be cloudy and there is a chance of late showers and/or thunderstorms due to embedded shortwave waves.

If thunderstorms develop on Tuesday, they will form at the base of the mountains and pose the greatest risk along the QEII corridor with medium-sized hail, strong winds and the chance of supercells.

Later in the week the atmosphere is expected to be stable enough to provide uninterrupted clear skies.

This event is similar in synoptic format to 2021. A northward moving, clockwise rotating high pressure area is anchored at its base by two counterclockwise rotating low pressure areas.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), “over the next eight to 10 days, daytime temperatures will range between 28 and 36 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows will range between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius.”

It is essential to stay hydrated and find ways to cool down when experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat.

In their warning, ECCC cautions that certain people are particularly vulnerable.

“Pay special attention to persons who may experience earlier or more severe effects from heat, including infants, children, the elderly and persons with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetes conditions, outdoor workers and persons who are socially isolated.”

This heat is likely to increase the risk of wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia

As of 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the province reported 90 active wildfires in Alberta, 26 of which were out of control.

There is a triangle of criteria for increased wildfire risk, including seven to ten days of warm, dry weather, a fuel source, and ignition (e.g., human-caused or lightning).

At 7am on Tuesday morning, the Relative Danger Index for wildfires indicated that there is a larger area at increased risk, and this situation will only get worse in the coming days.

In Calgary, daytime highs are expected to range from 29 to 33 degrees Celsius, and nighttime lows of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

The average temperatures are 23°C and 10°C respectively.