With the sun glaring down over Winnipeg resident Isata Moses, she doesn’t hold back about how she and her 18-month-old son Elijah are feeling on Thursday. “It’s very hot, the heat is too much, my god it’s very hot I’m sweating all over my body, everywhere just sweating,” she said. The family tells CTV News they have no air conditioning at their place. Outside is still a better option for them. “This is fresh air so it’s better to be outside,” Moses said. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a yellow heat warning for southern Manitoba. As temperatures on Thursday hit the mid thirties, with warmer than normal air coming in from the south. “When you get a setup like this it kind of gets stuck so we have what we call a block in our area which is allowing that warm area to pool and build day after day,” said Christy Climenhaga who works with ECCC. Many are coping by hitting a splash pad, using an umbrella or finding some shade. For those who needed a break from the heat, six community centres are open. “Additionally as well, city facilities during regular operating hours whether that’s recreation and leisure facilities as well as our city libraries,” said Mike Olczyk, emergency management coordinator with the City of Winnipeg. The city has installed nine drinking stations in the downtown area including one in Central Park. For some, escaping the heat is not that easy and can take a toll. A permanent hydration station is also going up in front of the Salvation Army. Until then, a water tank has been parked on site. “(This is) where they can seek relief from the extreme heat, there are beverages available, if they are particularly dehydrated we can offer them some electrolyte supplements and freezies,” said Kristin Marand, manager of communications for the Salvation Army’s prairies and northern territories. -With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele.
