Humidex advisory, severe storm watches in effect for central and southern Alberta

Environment Canada has issued a humidex advisory for much of the province – which means most regions throughout central and southern Alberta are expected to see uncomfortably hot weather conditions.

According to Environment Canada, a number of regions throughout the province, including Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Morinville, Mayerthorpe, Evansburg, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater, Smoky Lake, Leduc, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, and Tofield will not only see hot temperatures, but higher humidity levels.

Those two factors combined are expected to reach a humidex of 40, due to temperatures expected to reach higher than 30 degrees Celsius, along with the humidity.

CTV Edmonton’s Chief Meteorolgist Josh Classen said Edmonton has never had a humidex reading that high, but it might be reached this afternoon.

“People that are frequent travelers will notice it feels a little like Mexico or Cuba out there today,” Classen said. “If you are planning to head outside today, limit your physical activities…find some shade from time to time and stay hydrated.”

The high heat and humidity also combines to make sweat – our main way of cooling off – less effective.

“The more humid, the less easy it is for the body to cool itself by evaporating sweat,” Dr. James Talbot, Alberta Health Services Chief Medical Officer of Health said. “So between high temperature and high humidity, it’s a deadly combination.”

Officials said children, people with respiratory conditions and the elderly were most at risk of suffering heat exhaustion.

“Heat exhaustion is a milder form which can show up with people feeling lethargic, a mild headache and feeling thirsty,” Dr. Talbot said. “A combination of being dehydrated and hot.”

However, a break is in sight - as the high humidity and hot temperatures are expected to end Tuesday evening, with a cold front sweeping into Alberta – which is expected to bring with it severe thunderstorms, with very strong wind gusts.

Just before 11 a.m., Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches, also for many of the regions covered by the humidex advisory - the listing of affected communities can be found online..

With files from Ashley Molnar