Record energy usage possible during heat wave in Calgary: City officials
The heat wave forecast for next week could spark record energy usage in Calgary, city officials said Friday.
Temperatures are forecast to reach into the low 30s this weekend and the mid-30 C range through most of next week, which could result in record electricty use, said Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Chief Sue Henry.
"Our friends at ENMAX are anticipating that with a forecasted period of prolonged hot weather, Calgary may come close to its previous summer peak for energy consumption, which was 1,692 megawatts, reached in August of 2018," she said.
"It used to be common for Calgary's electricity consumption to peak in the winter, but the increasing trend is toward summer peaks as we use more air conditioners and fans to try and cool ourselves."
Henry adds those planning to be outside should wear sunscreen and dress for the heat, wearing loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if possible.
"If you can avoid working or exercising in the heat and humidity, please do so," she said. "If it cannot be avoided, be sure to take regular breaks, drink lots of water, maintain salt levels in your body and avoid high protein foods."
You should also try to stay in the shade as much as possible when outside, said Henry.
To keep homes cool, Henry suggests keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day and opening windows in the evening. Calgarians should also sleep on lower levels of a home or residence if possible.
Water wagons will be deployed throughout the city to provide cool drinking water. Calgarians should bring a reusable container to access that. As well, Henry says 22 seasonal water fountains have been turned on and all functioning water fountains in city parks will be turned on by Friday. Splash parks and pools will also be open.
Calgary Fire Department spokesperson Carol Henke said usage of the Bow and Elbow Rivers is expected to be high and warned against mixing that with drugs or alcohol.
Water usage is also expected to be high, said water treatment manager John Jagorinec.
To help lessen that, grass in the city's parks will be kept about three inches long, said Jagorinec, which helps retain moisture. Calgarians should also not mow lawns during the heatwave, said Jagorinec and any watering should be done in the early morning or evening hours.
Rain and cloudy conditions are expected on Thursday, then the forecast for Calgary calls for a high of 26 C on Friday, 28 C on Saturday, 30 C on Sunday and 34 C on Monday.
Hot temperatures are forecast to continue into next weekend.
Overnight temperatures will reach lows of about 15 C to 17 C over that time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.