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Northwest Saskatchewan is undergoing another heat wave, though there may be thunderstorms on the horizon. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Heat wave

Heat warning in effect for Northwest Saskatchewan

Jun 14, 2021 | 3:10 PM

It’s time for another heat wave in northwest Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada has put a heat warning in place across the western and central portions of the province, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 Celsius this afternoon. North Battleford is forecast to reach 32 C this afternoon, with an outside chance of showers, and get up to 35 C and mainly sunny conditions Tuesday. Meadow Lake is looking at two days of highs of 33 C, both of which would be records for the area.

However, there is a drop off by Wednesday, with showers and a high of 22 C in the Battlefords and 19 C and showers in Meadow Lake. Temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid-20s C for the rest of the week. Meteorologist Terri Lang said while this isn’t typical weather, it’s certainly not unheard of in the prairies.

“It is summer, so we are going to get that heat,” she said. “Very cold and we adjust, very warm and we adjust.”

As people start to adjust to warmer days and nights, the humidex values are starting to come up. Lang said this is similar to a ‘feels like’ type of temperature that speaks to your body’s ability to get rid of moisture by sweating away heat.

“The higher the humidex values, that means there’s more humidity in the air, so the harder it is for your body to sweat out that moisture,” she said.

Humidex values in the Battlefords and Meadow Lake on Monday were 34 C and 33 C respectively.

Lang said while it’s this warm, it’s important for residents to be proactive where possible, such as staying hydrated and doing yard work earlier or later in the day. Another factor to be aware of is the risk of a thundershower, particularly for drivers. Starting Tuesday, the developing system is likely severe, with wind gusts of 60 km/h from the southeast.

“Then they’re going to whip around and be quite strong on Wednesday from a different direction as the temperature follows,” said Lang. “So, be aware that we do have that risk of a thundershower coming.”

cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

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