Portions of Alberta expecting daytime highs in the mid-30s Wednesday

Sunny on Wednesday, followed by a chance of showers on Thursday. Jodi Hughes has a look at the five-day forecast from the Sky Watch Weather Centre.

Heat warnings have been issued across Alberta from Environment and Climate Change Canada due to elevated daytime highs and overnight lows.

Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Brooks and Drumheller are all included in the warning.

The national weather agency encourages people to take precautions, including limiting the amount of time spent outside during the hottest part of the day, taking frequent breaks from the heat, finding ways to cool off and staying hydrated.

ECCC also warns against the dangers associated with vehicles, advising people to their for their children or pets before exiting their vehicle.

“Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time,” the warning states.

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Heat warnings for most of Alberta are issued when daytime highs are expected to reach at least 29 C, along with lows of at least 14 C for at least two consecutive days.

“Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated,” ECCC cautioned.

According to ECCC, symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion include a “high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.”

While most of the warned area should avoid active weather on Wednesday, there is a chance that some showers and thunderstorms will initiate from the foothills in the afternoon and track north and east in the early evening.

If these storms do develop, they could intensify quite rapidly and turn into supercell thunderstorms, which could include large-sized hail, strong wind and rotation.

A change in the weather pattern on Thursday will bring cooler air into these warned areas, moderating temperatures and introducing more widespread instability.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely for the first weekend of Stampede, but should hold off until after the parade on Friday.