A heat warning is now in effect for Estevan and much of southern Saskatchewan.
Environment Canada issued the warning at 3:25 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. The Estevan area had previously been under a special weather statement due to the temperatures experienced in the last few days.
Also affected by the heat warning are the rural municipalities of Benson, Cambria, Cymri and Souris Valley, and the towns, villages and hamlets in those RMs.
According to Environemnt Canada, a ridge of high pressure will continue to spread extremely hot temperatures across southern Saskatchewan over the next several days.
“Very high temperatures began to push into southwestern-most Saskatchewan Wednesday. The heat will return Thursday and expand to most of southern Saskatchewan. Some areas towards the Manitoba border will not see the extreme heat until Friday.”
This will be a prolonged heat wave with daytime highs in the 30s. Temperatures will moderate somewhat through the course of the weekend.
“Overnight temperatures will remain elevated through this period giving little respite from the heat. The humidity will be low and the winds light throughout, but the UV index will be high. Forest fire smoke will degrade local air quality.”
An air quality statement was issued earlier on Wednesday due to the smoke from forest fires in B.C. and Alberta.
During the heat warning, people are encouraged to:
- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day;
- Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time indoors at cooled buildings (including malls or indoor pools);
- Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated; and
- Not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time;
People should also monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness. Particular vigilance is urged for vulnerable individuals, including children, seniors, individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
