News Centre

​The City of Lethbridge has received notification from Alberta Health that Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Level 1 Heat Alert expected for the week beginning August 8. Additionally, smoke is forecasted to be in the area, rated at a level 3 on the Air Quality Health Index which is considered low risk at this time.

Heat waves cause an increase in heat-related illness, enhance drought conditions and can cause a significant long-term draw on power. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of the use of electric appliances and keep air-conditioning units at a moderate temperature to help prevent overloading the power grid.

If you have family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the heat, you're encouraged to check-in and see if they need assistance in taking precautions to limit their exposure to heat-related illnesses.

Ways to ensure residents are staying cool and safe during the expected high temperatures can be found here.

Residents are also reminded the vulnerable members of our community are likely most at-risk during extreme temperatures without access to shelter. More information on local service organizations that are available to help during an extreme weather declaration can be found here.

In addition to these locations, many local service organizations have been preparing for the warmer weather with collecting water bottles for distribution to those who need it.

A heat warning is issued in Alberta when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius or warmer and nighttime temperatures are expected to be 16 degrees Celsius or warmer.

This heat event may last for the next five days and residents are encouraged to use the WeatherCan App or visit the Weather Canada website to receive the latest updates for their region.

Additional information on how to stay cool, hydrated and informed can be found here and the City's extreme temperature response protocol can be viewed here.