Edmonton experiences second hottest, third driest July on record: Environment Canada data

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If you find yourself thinking this July feels hotter than normal you are not alone, and now there’s some data to back up your claim.

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According to preliminary data — up to July 28 — from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Edmonton area saw an average temperature of 20.1 C for the month of July, including highs of 35.2 C on July 1 and 32.5 C on July 10, making July the second warmest on record. With just estimated total precipitation of 21.1 mm, July was also the third driest July on record.

The historical data goes back 140 years, said ECCC meteorologist Justin Shelley on Saturday.

“The Edmonton region has gotten more precipitation than other parts of the Prairies, too, surprisingly,” said Shelley. “It’s been a pretty dry summer for all of Western Canada, really.”

The national weather agency issued another heat warning for Edmonton and the surrounding area Saturday morning as forecasters are calling for long-weekend highs ranging from 29-35 C, and lows in between 14-20 C.

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The heat combined with a lack of a cool-down phase during the evening can be especially concerning for children under 18 and adults living with pre-existing health conditions, as well as outdoor workers and Edmonton’s homeless population.

“Especially for those individuals who don’t have access to air conditioning or water because it can still be pretty warm outside in the shade,” said Shelley.

People are advised to consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day during the morning or at night, or to take breaks from the heat indoors and drink plenty of water. People are reminded not to leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle for any length of time. Similar heat warnings are in place across all of north Alberta and most of central and south Alberta.

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Environment Canada heat warnings envelop much of the province of Alberta on July 31, 2021.
Environment Canada heat warnings envelop much of the province of Alberta on July 31, 2021. Photo by screenshot

B.C. wildfire smoke impacting air quality

As of Saturday afternoon, there were 241 wildfires burning in the province of B.C. with approximately 470,784 hectares of area burned and 3,120 properties on evacuation order, bringing a hint of haze to the air in Edmonton as wildfire smoke makes its way east into Alberta.

“If you look on satellite imagery you can see it’s a pretty widespread area of haze that is aloft through most of central and southern Alberta, along the B.C. border and even extends into southwestern Saskatchewan,” said Shelley. “However, the majority of that is higher up in the atmosphere so it’s not directly affecting air quality, although you still might get a hint of smoke in the air.”

On Saturday afternoon, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Edmonton was sitting at a 3 (low risk), with a  forecast maximum of 4 (moderate risk) for Saturday night and Sunday. But Shelley says it’s important for people to keep an eye on the forecast as “these situations can evolve rapidly.”

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City response

The City of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response Saturday.

As part of a recent pilot project, people can fill up their water bottles at one of five fire hydrant filling stations across the city at Giovanni Caboto Park, Michael Phair Park, Parkdale Square Shopping Complex, Butler Memorial Park and Strathcona Farmers Market.

In addition to the new pilot program, peace officers continue to carry water bottles for distribution and most city recreation centres and libraries are open during regular operating hours with access to bottled water for those looking for a place to beat the heat.

trobb@postmedia.com

@TrevorRobb_

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