Looking to spend a lot of time outdoors over the coming days? If so, it might be best to plan some breaks throughout — as a heat warning has been issued for much of southern and central Saskatchewan. Issued at 4:39 a.m. Tuesday by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the warning states that daytime highs in the low to mid-30s combined with overnight lows in the high teens are expected for the remainder of the week. This comes after parts of southern and central Saskatchewan experienced snowfall and temperatures hovering around 0 C just nine days ago. “It’s really that extreme difference between snow to extreme heat ... that is the big story here,” said Danielle Desjardins, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. “It’s the major shift that has people kind of surprised at just how different this week is compared to the start of May.” The heat warning area extends from Cold Lake in the northwest to the city of Estevan in the southeast. Notably, Saskatoon and much of the parkland was outside the warning area, as of Tuesday morning. Desjardins says many places will experience temperatures 10 degrees or higher above seasonal norms. She expects the heat wave to peak on Thursday and Friday with temperatures staying in the mid-30s, but expect highs to stick around 30 into the weekend as well. As the week progresses, Desjardins says areas in the eastern part of the province will likely be added to the heat warning. ECCC advises residents to watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. “Stop your activity and drink water,” ECCC warned. “Heat stroke is a medical emergency.” Those planning to be outside are asked to plan or schedule their activities during the coolest parts of the day. Residents are encouraged to wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Desjardins say while this week could bring the hottest temperatures some places will see all year, long range forecasts are calling for a hotter than usual summer once El Nino conditions develop over the next month or two. “I wouldn’t discount that it could happen again this summer,” she added. More information on how you can protect yourself from the heat can be found on Health Canada’s website.
