Communities across Saskatchewan, including Meadow Lake, Prince Albert and the Battlefords (pictured) will experience the warmest stretch of 2020 in the province thus far over the next week. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Heat wave

Extreme heat ahead for most of Saskatchewan

Jul 28, 2020 | 4:08 PM

Rain and wind have defined Saskatchewan’s summer thus far, but residents are about to experience one of the province’s warmer weeks in years.

A heat warning is in effect for most of Saskatchewan, with temperatures in the low 30s and only a few days in the following week expected to drop below 27 Celsius. Meteorologist Natalie Hasell of Environment Canada said this is a big change after June was a markedly cool month, with only a few days reaching temperatures worthy of a heat warning.

“Based on the climate data, there’s only been a few days here and there where temperatures would be considered summer weather or decently warm,” she said.

People going outdoors are likely to feel the effects of hot weather to a much greater degree now, as they would normally be acclimatized at this point and dealing with the heat wouldn’t be a problem.

“Since you haven’t had great amounts of heat, it’s particularly important to pay attention to how you’re feeling and those around you are feeling,” Hasell said.

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Each region under a heat advisory is set to have at least three or four days of sustained high temperatures for the coming week. The Battlefords have a slight dip to 26 C by Saturday before being forecasted to return to 31 C. Areas like Meadow Lake and Prince Albert are expected to cool down a day earlier before their jump back into the 30’s.

A number of illnesses prevalent during the summer months, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are serious medical conditions, which Hasell said can turn quite quickly. Some of those most at risk include older adults with underlying medical condition, young children and people with chronic illness.

“Look out for dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing, heartbeat, decreased urination,” Hasell said. “You also might see it in a change of behaviour with kids.”

Diabetes, kidney disease and mental illness are some of the chronic conditions, the latter because of medications people may be taking. As far as exposure, those working outdoors or exercising frequently are more at risk, and the homeless population are particularly exposed.

“So if you have several days of heat, especially with nights that don’t cool off very much, you don’t have a chance to recuperate,” Hasell said.

Eating high water content foods like fruits and vegetables will help hydration and Hasell advised not eating too much protein.

“Eating a lot of protein heats up the body quite a lot, and you want to avoid that if you are planning to stay outside,” she said.

And for driving, Hasell said it’s worth taking the time to air out vehicles before driving, as well as never leaving children or pets alone.

“You’re always in that store, or running that errand, for longer, and the heat in [vehicles] can spike to 50 degrees.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports