NEWS PHOTO CHRIS BROWN Phoenix performs Monday evening at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede during the annual Stampede Summer Jam — an event founded by local music duo Mahoney to kick off Stampede week.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
It’s going to be hot, really hot for Stampede, but organizers have plans in place to help you keep cool.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning on Monday and it had already reached 32 C by 3 p.m.
Environment Canada is forecasting a high of 31 C for Friday.
Normal temperatures for this time of year would be a high of 27 C with lows of 12 C.
The highest recorded temperature on July 22, between 2001 and 2018, was in 2006 at 36. C. The lowest recorded temperature was in 2002 at 7.8 C.
Traditionally it can be very hot during Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede. A spokesperson told the News there will be “misting tents” where you can stand in the shade of a tent an enjoy a fine, cooling mist to reduce your boy temperature.
Although the beer garden is outside this year additional tents and umbrellas are being used to ensure shade, the spokesperson said.
If you are planning spend the day at Stampede you should include time in buildings where there is air conditioning. This includes the Fireside Room where the Visual Arts entries are on display, the Better Living pavilion plus Higdon Hall, the spokesperson said. The park-like setting of Pioneer Village is an outdoor area that is well shaded by trees and there are numerous park benches.
Paramedics will also be on the grounds on bicycles to provide assistance to anyone in medical stress.
There wouldn’t be a Stampede without animals and extra measures are taken to ensure they are kept comfortable too, said the spokesperson.
At the petting zoo there is a barn where animals are ensured complete shade. There are also sprinklers for rodeo animals to cool off. The dogs participating in the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs shows also have misting facilities to cool down.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and reapply if you are spending an extended time out of doors, stay hydrated with plenty of water and wear a hat.
Environment Canada has place the region under a heat warning and offers advice on how to stay cool and safe.
Residents of and visitors to the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours:
– Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day. – Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time indoors in cooled buildings such as malls or indoor pools. – Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated. – Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.
Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For more heat health advice, visit albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx.
