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
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'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.
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.
'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.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
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.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.