After a brutally long winter and soggy spring, many Calgarians are excited at the prospect of a mini heat wave as temperatures are expected to near the 30 degree mark on Monday.

People packed into the city's water parks over the lunch hour.

Many workers in the downtown ate their lunch on river benches and in Prince's Island Park.

Outdoor wading and spray pools were a hive of activity as families took to the water and shade to cool off.

Forecasters are predicting that this will be the hottest day of the year so far and we may even hit 30 degrees.

City of Calgary outdoor pools locations

  • Bowview Outdoor Pool - 1910 6 Ave. N.W.
  • Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool  - 1706 39 St. S.E
  • Highwood Outdoor Pool  - 25 Holmwood Ave. N.W.
  • Millican-Ogden Outdoor Pool - 69 Ave. & 20A St. S.E.
  • Mount Pleasant Outdoor Pool - 2310 6 St. N.W.
  • Silver Springs Outdoor Pool - Silverridge Cl. & Silverridge Dr. N.W
  • South Calgary Outdoor Pool - 3130 16 St. S.W.
  • Stanley Park Outdoor Pool - 4011 1A St. S.W.

Wading pool locations

  • Eau Claire Plaza - 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. S.W.
  • Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
  • Riley Park - 800 12 St. N.W.
  • Stanley Park - 4011 1A St. S.W. - closed for 2011 season

Spray park locations

  • Bowness Park - 8900 48 Ave. N.W.
  • Canmore Park - 19 St. & Chicoutimi Dr. N.W.
  • Eau Claire Plaza - 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. S.W.
  • Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
  • Rotary Park - 617 1 St. N.E.
  • Somerset Square - 999 Somerset Dr. S.W.
  • South Glenmore Park (Variety Park) - 90 Ave. & 24 St. S.W.
  • Valleyview Park - 28 St. & 30 Ave. S.E.

Health Canada has some tips to stay hydrated and healthy when it is hot outside:

  • Keep out of the direct sun and use sunscreen.
  • If you must go outdoors into the sun, shade yourself with an umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Keep your house cool by pulling down awnings or closing curtains/blinds closed.
  • If you have a two-storey house, keep the upper-level windows slightly open, to draw excess heat up and out.
  • If your house is hot, try to spend a few hours in an air-conditioned space, such as a mall, or a formal cooling centre.
  • Make sure to rest in cool shade periodically.
  • Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Use fans to evaporate sweat from your body and cool it.
  • Limit your physical activity, especially if you are in an at-risk group, and certainly during the middle of the day, when the heat is greatest.
  • Liquids that are high in sugar and/or alcohol should be avoided, as they can increase the amount of water lost by the body.
  • If you take medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist for possible side effects during extreme heat.
  • Offer to help and check up on your neighbours, especially those who may be on their own and who may not be in a position to take these precautions.

The hot weather may trigger a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the city and surrounding areas and says the potential exists for large hail and damaging winds.

Tuesday will also be a hot day with temperatures nearing 27 degrees.