Sherwood Park, Alberta is about to feel the heat. Environment Canada forecasts a string of scorching days starting Wednesday, July 22, with temperatures climbing to 30°C before peaking at 32°C on Thursday and Friday. Overnight lows will hover around 17-19°C, offering little relief. This comes after a mild Monday with a high of 24°C, but the real warm-up is set to begin mid-week.
The mercury is expected to rise well above normal for this time of year. The typical late-July maximum in Sherwood Park is 23°C, so these forecast highs represent a jump of 7 to 9 degrees. Sunny skies are in the forecast for Wednesday through Friday, making for hot, dry conditions that can pose health risks for residents, especially the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.
Environment Canada has issued yellow heat warnings for parts of Alberta, flagged as a moderate-impact event. The warnings are triggered by a combination of daytime highs near 30°C and limited overnight cooling. In neighbouring Edmonton, extreme heat protocols kick in when there are three straight days of 29°C or higher and overnight lows of at least 14°C, thresholds this heat wave is expected to meet.
Residents are urged to take precautions: drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak hours, and never leave people or pets inside parked vehicles. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Watch for symptoms like confusion, lack of coordination, a body temperature above 39.4°C, or skin that is hot and dry with no sweat. If you see these signs, call 911 immediately.
Strathcona County has several places where people can cool down during regular business hours. These include the Strathcona County Community Centre, the Strathcona County Library, the Bethel Transit Terminal, and central and lobby areas of county recreation facilities. If you see someone struggling because of the heat, you can reach Strathcona County’s non-emergency line at 780-467-7741. For community referrals, call 211.
This hot spell is part of a broader pattern in the southern Prairies, where fire bans have been put in place due to dry conditions. While Sherwood Park itself isn’t under a ban, the warm, sunny weather means fire safety should be top of mind for anyone enjoying outdoor activities mid-week. With 2026 forecast to rank among the four hottest years on record, the message is simple: stay cool, stay safe, and check on your neighbours.
