Raymond, Alberta is in for a hot and sunny stretch this week, with temperatures climbing well above normal and prompting health officials to remind residents to protect themselves from the sun and smoke.
Environment Canada forecasts the mercury will reach 28°C on Wednesday before a brief dip to 25°C on Thursday. The heat then builds again, with a high of 31°C expected Friday and 30°C on Saturday. The normal high for this time of year is 26°C.
Skies will be sunny through Saturday, though Wednesday afternoon will see a mix of sun and cloud. Sunday and Monday bring a mix of sun and cloud as temperatures cool to highs of 27°C and 25°C. The UV index is forecast at 7, or high, on both Wednesday and Thursday. Health officials recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, and staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Overnight Wednesday, local smoke is expected to move into the Raymond area due to wildfires burning in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta. While air quality advisories were in effect earlier this week across much of southern Alberta, conditions have improved, though moderate air quality health index levels are forecast Wednesday night into Thursday. The smoke is forecast to linger into Thursday.
Alberta Health Services cautions that when heat and wildfire smoke combine, the health risks from heat become more dangerous. Keeping cool should be the priority, especially for people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, infants and young children.
The long summer days offer plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine, with sunrise at 6:07 a.m. and sunset at 9:05 p.m. early this week.
