A tropical start to May has lead to a special weather statement being issued for the Foothills.

With temperatures expected to hit 28 degrees Tuesday and 27 on Wednesday, Environment Canada has issued a weather statement due to the health risks associated with the heat.

Kirk Torneby, meteorologist with Environment Canada, says relief from the hot temperatures is on its way.

"This mini heatwave looks like it will just last today and tomorrow," he says. "There's a cold front that's starting to move through the province Wednesday and should move through southern Alberta later in the day on Thursday bringing us down to more normal temperatures... daytime highs are around the 20 degree mark later in the week."

Torneby says it's unknown if the El Niño that kept the Foothills warm and dry throughout the winter and spring will carry into the summer.

"Those El Niño conditions are starting to weaken off as we move into the summer. There's not as much confidence moving into the summer and it will continue to be a lot drier and warmer than normal. Early indications from some of our seasonal outlooks are showing that through the first part of the summer, May, June and July, we should still be above average by a couple degrees."

According to Environment Canada everyone is at risk for illness with extreme heat, especially infants, seniors and those with chronic illnesses. People are reminded to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, dress for the weather, and avoid long periods of sun exposure.

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