Between the wildfires and the low air quality, Alberta could use some rain and cooler temperatures, especially in those areas most affected by the fires.
It’s only May and already we’ve seen some above normal temperatures. The only benefit of this heat is the ability to get in some early gardening. I’ve already hardened off most plants and did some planting this weekend. Just watch, next week will bring snow! Only kidding of course.
It’s scary that it’s only just the beginning of summer and we have these temperatures and smoke. I couldn’t believe the strong smell and low visibility last week. I remember a couple of years ago when we had smoke from the B.C. fires. Well, sadly there are so many fires in our own province, and I think it’s unfortunately going to get much worse. I feel for those who have bad allergies, asthma or any other lung condition. That makes it ten times harder to do anything in this heat. It’s best to just kick back inside and wait for the smoke to pass.
Having young kids in these conditions is tricky too, as they love to be outside. My kids pretty much live outdoors in the summer, they love it! I try to bring them out in the morning on those extra hot days, as it’s much cooler.
Just in case of evacuation due to the wildfires, it’s a good idea to have a to go bag ready at the front door if it’s your turn to be evacuated. I’ve got a couple bags already, one being the diaper bag for my young kids with some snacks, water bottles, some books, etc. In our bag, which I still need to pack, I will put in a couple outfits, some games and dog food for our fur babies. We’ve got a full house here and it’s so important to be prepared in case we need to get out fast. You just never know.
I feel for those who are still evacuated. My husband’s family had to evacuate for a while from Fox Creek and I could only imagine how difficult that must have been with young kids. One of them has a baby!
Got family out of the province? Now is probably as good a time as ever to get out and visit them to escape these conditions. Besides the heat and some thunderstorms, there wasn’t too much extreme weather I experienced back where I’m from in Ontario, and I’m definitely grateful for that.
One of the things I do to beat the heat every year is setting up our blow up pool in the back, which is more for the kids, but we get in too. It’s got a small slide and sprinkler set up, which is great for those hot summer days. Another favourite is going to Gull Lake. I just love the beach. We haven’t taken the kids yet, but are hoping to this summer to cool down in the water.
Summer truly used to be my favourite time of the year, with the warm rays and just more to do in general, but I’ve got to say the fall has my heart. It’s the perfect weather for me.
With all that said, I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the summer with family and friends.