Saskatchewan

21 Sask. communities set or tied weather records Thursday as heat wave sweeps province

Many communities broke or tied high temperature records for the date of June 3.

Environment Canada says high temps expected to last into Saturday

Saskatchewan is in the midst of a heat wave that Environment Canada says is likely to stick around until Saturday. (Jon Hernandez/CBC)

Saskatchewan is in the midst of what is turning into a record-breaking heat wave. 

Environment Canada data showed 21 communities set or tied June 3 temperature records on Thursday.

The hottest spot in the province was Rosetown, where the mercury hit 36.6 C and broke a record of 36 C that was set in 1988.

The only other community to break 36 C was Lucky Lake, where it hit 36.3 C.

In North Battleford the temperature rose to 35.2 C, breaking a record of 34.4 C set in 1970. 

Spiritwood and Yorkton also broke records set in 1970, with recorded temperatures of 33.3 C and 33.5 C respectively. 

Assiniboia hit 35.9 C on Thursday, while Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Indian Head, Estevan, Regina, Kindersley and Watrous all recorded temperatures somewhere in the 35 degree C range. 

What is a true heat wave?

3 years ago
Duration 1:27
We can see some extreme temperatures on the Prairies in the summer — just like in the frigid winter. On average, the Prairies get 15 days of over 30 C weather. But what is a true heat wave? CBC weather host Fiona Odlum explains.

Record breaking highs included:

  • Broadview: 33.8 C.
  • Coronach: 34.3 C.
  • Cyprus Hills: 30.6 C.
  • Elbow: 34.9 C.
  • Last Mountain Lake: 34.2 C.
  • Maple Creek: 34.4 C. 
  • Rockglen: 33.1 C.
  • Waskesiu: 32.1 C.
  • Wynyard: 33 C.
  • Yorkton: 33.5 C.

On Friday, Environment Canada's website said a heat warning was in effect for most of southern Saskatchewan, with a ridge of high pressure over the province bringing temperatures in the low to mid-30s.

Saturday is also expected to be very hot, with temperatures near 30, the weather agency said, with more moderate temperatures forecast for Sunday.

(Alex Soloducha/CBC)

Residents are encouraged to take care of themselves and check on isolated community members, friends and family. People were asked to conduct the checks over the phone to avoid face-to-face interactions and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone seeking advice related to health risks, symptoms and precautions associated to heat warnings was asked to call the 811 HealthLine.

(Alex Soloducha/CBC)