Blistering heat wave sweeps through southern Alberta
Just two weeks ago, a thin blanket of snow was draped over much of Lethbridge.
But in typical southern Alberta fashion, the weather has flip-flopped once again bringing on a wave of intense heat.
"The end of May and beginning of June has notoriously been a hot spot for these weather events that we're seeing now," said CTV News Lethbridge Weather Expert Dory Rossiter.
"But, I do think these temperatures come as a little bit of a shock, especially if we've had a cooler spring and then suddenly we have these 30 degree numbers."
Thursday could see the temperature reach up to 35C according to Environment Canada which would break a record for this time of year.
For people that have to work outside, not only are temperatures in the mid 30s a shock, it also can make for a dangerous work environment.
"Problems we run into are dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke," said Z & J Roofing owner Alex Roberts.
A park in Lethbridge, Alta.
"It's really tough. Usually we add to whatever the ground temperature is up on the roof because of the asphalt absorbing all the heat and with the black paper that we use, it absorbs the heat as well."
Adding to the health risks, when the temperature reaches a certain point, shingles will melt on the roof's surface making for slippery and messy conditions.
Some roofing companies are cutting their work days in half and encouraging employees to take frequent breaks to avoid prolonged exposure to the elements.
However, some Lethbridge residents are excited for this heat wave to kick into high gear.
"I absolutely love it. I love the warm weather. I'm just glad to see the back of winter and it can get up to 40 degrees and I'm still going to be completely happy," said one woman walking around Henderson Lake Park.
Others in town will be looking to hunker down in a cool basement with the air conditioning blasting.
"I'll be staying in from the sun and on my walks home I linger a little bit longer towards everybody that has their sprinkler going," said another woman.
As hot as southern Alberta is this week, the real centre of the heat wave is south of the border where core of high pressure is hovering.
"There's parts of northern California that are sitting in the low 40's right now. So, that's where the real epicentre of the heat is. We're just kind of on the northern cusp of that ridge of high pressure," said Rossiter.
A construction worker fends with the heat Wednesday in Lethbridge, Alta.
The heat is expected to span from the B.C. interior through to Manitoba in the next few days.
Medicine Hat is expected to see the hottest temperature in the province on Thursday with an expected high of 37°C.
More information on the health risks of extreme heat events can be found on the Government of Canada website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.
A couple lost their wedding rings during the ceremony. Two strangers found a fitting solution
Every good wedding has to have one teensy, tiny crisis.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.