Extreme heat
Definition
Calgary’s summers are getting increasingly hotter and drier. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) defines extreme heat as temperatures reaching 29°C during the day and 14°C overnight for two consecutive days with no relief overnight.
Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses like heat stroke and even death. There are steps you can take to get prepared for extreme heat events.
How to prepare
- Refurbish and outfit your home to prepare for the extreme heat season. A few potential upgrades include:
- Adding drapes or shades to windows
- Replacing or upgrading weather stripping around doors and windows
- Adding insulation to keep the heat out
- Installing an attic fan to clear hot air
- Installing air conditioning, if possible
What to do during
- Take breaks in the shade if you're working or exercising outside.
- Chill out in public spaces with air-conditioning like malls, libraries, and recreation centers.
- Visit a spray park to stay refreshed
- Drink water often
- Wear sunscreen, loose clothes, brimmed hats, and UVA/UVB protected sunglasses.
- Never leave people or pets in parked cars or direct sunlight. Make sure pets have plenty of water.
- Keep your home cool by closing curtains and avoiding oven use if able.
- Check on seniors, infants, and those with health conditions during the heat.
What to do after
- Refurbish and outfit your home for the next extreme heat season.
Related links
Cooling locations
Cooling locations are publicly available indoor locations open their normal business hours where individuals can visit for a temporary respite from the heat. All listed locations have either an indoor water fountain or an indoor water bottle filling station.
Check out places to cool down near you:
N.E. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Country Hills Library | |
|
Dashmesh Culture Centre (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) |
|
| Renfrew Aquatic & Rec. Centre | |
| Saddletown Library | |
| Saddletown YMCA | |
| Village Square Library |
N.W. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Bowness Library | |
| CF Market Mall | |
| Crowfoot Library | |
| Judith Umbach Library | |
| Louise Riley Library | |
| Nose Hill Library | |
| Rocky Ridge Library | |
| Sage Hill Library | |
| Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge | |
| Thornhill Aquatic & Rec. Centre |
S.E. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton | |
| Calgary Soccer Center | |
| Cardel Rec. South | |
| Central Library | |
| CF Chinook Mall | |
| Fish Creek Library | |
| Forest Lawn Library | |
| Quarry Park Library | |
| Remington YMCA at Quarry Park | |
| Seton Library | |
| Shawnessy Library | |
| Shawnessy YMCA |
S.W. locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Giuffre Family Library | |
| Killarney Aquatic & Rec. Centre | |
| Memorial Park Library | |
| Nicholls Family Library | |
| Rose Kohn & Jimmy Condon Arenas | |
| Signal Hill Library | |
| Southland Leisure Centre | |
| Southwood Library |