Heat wave set to push Saskatchewan temperatures well above normal this week

Battlefords and Meadow Lake could be 34 C by Friday while Melfort is expected to reach that high on Thursday. La Ronge could see a high of 31 C by Friday.

Desjardins said heat warnings are expected for southern parts of Saskatchewan and could expand northward as the week goes on. Heat warnings are typically issued when dangerous heat is expected to last for at least two days with little overnight relief.

Residents are being urged to drink water often, limit time in direct sun, wear light clothing and check on older adults and others who may be at greater risk of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst and intense fatigue, while heat stroke is a medical emergency.

On the wildfire front, Desjardins said the hot, dry and windy pattern could create conditions favourable for new fire starts later in the week, especially if thunderstorms develop.

“Keeping an eye on the human activities that could lead to wildfire ignitions would be prudent,” she said, noting people using ATVs or other gas-powered equipment outdoors should be cautious.

She said this year’s wildfire situation has so far been less severe than at the same point last year.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency had two active wildfires listed on their map Monday morning, both in the Meadow Lake area. One of those fires is between Primrose Lake and the Alberta border and is about 150 hectares. It was caused by humans and has an ‘ongoing assessment’ status.

Closer to Meadow Lake, a similar sized fire was caused by lightning, but is listed as contained.

There have been 57 wildfires to date in Saskatchewan.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Heat wave set to push Saskatchewan temperatures well above normal this week

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