Edmonton activates extreme weather plan as warm weather arrives
WIth multiple days of 30-degree temperatures possible in Edmonton this week, the city is activating its extreme weather response.
Summer is bringing a show of force to the capital city region as August begins, triggering a heat warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada expected to last into the weekend.
The City of Edmonton’s summer extreme weather response plan is triggered when the forecast calls for at least three days in a row of highs above 30°C, and lows that don’t fall below 14°C.
“We have 28 water stations hooked up to fire hydrants throughout the city, and those provide 24/7 access to water from the end of May until the end of September,” City of Edmonton Homelessness Program Manager Caitlin Beaton tells The Weather Network.
“And then during an extreme heat response, we ensure that our facilities like rec centres and pools have bottled water on hand.”
The fountains outside of the Alberta legislative building offer another chance for Edmontonians to seek respite as hot weather persists. (Connor O'Donovan for The Weather Network)
Beaton says the extreme weather response measures are designed to provide relief for those most vulnerable to the elements, including those experiencing homelessness.
“That also includes people who work outdoors, as well as seniors, so they’re encouraged to take more frequent breaks,” she adds.
“We encourage people, if they don’t have a cool place to go, that they can go to libraries, rec centres or pools for that respite space.”
The city has also launched a new email service that can keep Edmontonians informed during extreme weather events.
You can sign up for that online.
Header image: An Edmonton resident cools off in the public fountains outside of city hall. (Connor O'Donovan for The Weather Network.