Heat warnings in place for parts of Sask., with hotter temperatures on the way
CBC News | Posted: July 9, 2024 5:50 PM | Last Updated: July 9
Meteorologist says heat wave caused by ridge of high pressure making its way east
Saskatchewan is feeling the effects of a blistering heat wave gripping much of Western Canada.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued heat warnings for most of western and northern Saskatchewan on Tuesday.
Temperatures in areas including Swift Current, the Battlefords, Prince Albert and La Ronge are expected to be hotter than 30 C on Tuesday, according to the national weather agency.
ECCC meteorologist Kyle Ziolkowski said Saskatchewan's first big heat wave of the summer is the result of a ridge of high pressure making its way east.
Ziolkowski said the hottest temperatures are yet to come.
"Today, temperatures are roughly around 30 to 32 C and that will continue to build eastward as the week progresses with kind of the most extreme heat occurring around Thursday and Friday," Ziolkowski said on Tuesday. "We'll see air temperatures going in and around the 32 and 35 C [range]."
"Humidex values are going to start to climb as well as a result of the heat; humidex values will probably approach 40 by the end of the work week here."
The humidex calculates how hot it feels when the air temperature is combined with humidity. A humidex above 35 is considered to be high for the average healthy adult, according to ECCC. That's when it's generally recommended to tone down outdoor physical activity to prevent heatstroke.
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Humidity makes heat especially dangerous at a point called the wet-bulb temperature. Humans cool down by sweating, releasing heat through evaporation. When the air is saturated with moisture, that process doesn't work as well.
The effects of climate change mean more days with high temperatures, and as air warms, it can hold more moisture, making it more humid.
Maximum temperatures on Thursday are expected to get close to 36 C in some areas of Saskatchewan.
Ziolkowski said it's important to take precautions during a heat wave because everyone's health can be impacted by the hot temperatures.
"It's just finding ways to stay cool, stay out of the sun and limiting outdoor activity," Ziolkowski said "Particularly doing any strenuous outdoor activity during midday is definitely something to avoid during the heat wave."
Ziolkowski stressed the importance of keeping your home cool and drinking lots of water as temperatures rise higher than 30 C.
The City of Saskatoon activated its extreme heat emergency response plan on Monday. The plan provides residents access to cooling locations, outreach services, wellness checks and water distribution at locations across the city.
Ziolkowski said temperatures should start to cool down a bit during the weekend as the high pressure system continues to move eastward.
"It's going to be getting just below the heat criteria, so it's still going to remain rather warm into next week," Ziolkowski said.
WATCH | First heat wave of 2024 sends temperatures soaring across Sask.:
Heat bringing increased wildfire risk
Saskatchewan isn't just facing a heat risk. Special air quality statements from ECCC were issued for many areas across the province, including Kindersley, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon because of wildfire smoke on Monday.
Those air quality statements are still in effect for areas including Prince Albert, Meadow Lake and Nipawin on Tuesday.
Ziolkowski said smoke travelling eastward from wildfires in British Columbia is still sitting above parts of the province, but the extreme heat is creating an increased risk of more wildfires starting in Saskatchewan.
"I also noticed there was a fire that kind of started up just north of Waskesiu yesterday," Ziolkowski said. "So yeah, we'll start to see a few more fires starting definitely with this heat. "
As of 11 a.m. CST on Tuesday, there were 48 wildfires burning throughout the province, including eight that were not contained, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency's intelligence and situational awareness unit.
Nine of the active fires are contained, while 26 are being monitored regularly to assess the risk in the area. Action being taken is focused on protecting cabins and infrastructure in the area of the four remaining fires.
As of 10 a.m. CST in Prince Albert and Buffalo Narrows, air quality was reported to be moderate risk, but is expected to become high risk by Tuesday night.
The air quality risk is currently low in Regina and Saskatoon but is expected to become moderate during the evening.