A sweltering, stubborn heat wave is setting in over Manitoba on Friday with temperatures primed to rise to dangerous levels this weekend. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued yellow and orange heat warnings Friday warning of the multi-day heat event that’s expected to impact southern Manitoba. For Winnipeg and some of the surrounding Red River Valley, highs will crack the 30 C mark on Friday with clear, sunny skies and light, variable winds. As is the case when there’s this much humidity and moisture in the atmosphere, a thunderstorm risk lingers into the late afternoon in southern Manitoba, as well. Temperatures in and around the Wheat City and the Parkland will be similar, if not a few degrees cooler, in the upper twenties. Saturday brings more sweltering temperatures through much of Manitoba, with the hottest values expected near the international border. The mercury is expected to reach 33 C on Saturday alongside southerly winds at 30 km/h. Humidex values exceeding 45 are also possible. Those heading to Birds Hill Provincial Park for the Winnipeg Folk Festival should be prepared to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks from the heat when possible, as these temperatures can be dangerous. Meanwhile, ECCC warns the hottest temperatures are expected on Sunday with 36 C forecast for Winnipeg. From there, the oppressive heat is not expected to break until late next week. In response to the expected heat, the province issued a heat advisory on Friday, reminding people to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. While the province said everyone can be affected by the heat, those with the greatest risk are older adults, babies and young children, people with chronic illnesses, those who do activities outside, and vulnerable populations like homeless people. To help prevent heat illnesses, it recommended people drink lots of water; avoid extended periods of time in the sun; if working outdoors, take breaks, wear loose clothing and a hat; and visit cool indoor places when possible. If someone is overheating, the province said symptoms to watch for include a headache; red, hot, dry skin; dizziness; confusion; nausea; a rapid, weak pulse; and loss of consciousness. “If you are with someone who becomes unconscious, is confused or feels hot and has dry skin, call 911. They may be experiencing heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. While waiting for emergency medical help, move the person to a cool or shaded place, apply cold water to large areas of skin or clothing, and fan the person as much as possible,” the province said in the advisory. Meanwhile, smoky conditions persist in the north as wildfires burn in the Lynn Lake area, though yellow air quality warnings have lifted through most of the region. Some good news on the wildfire front – rain is expected through the northeast today, with a slimmer chance in areas around The Pas, Lynn Lake and Flin Flon. Still, showers and thunderstorms are likely to descend in that neck of the woods overnight. Temperatures on Friday throughout the north will peak in the upper twenties before cracking 30 C on Saturday alongside that intensified risk of rain and thunderstorms. In southern Manitoba, thunderstorms cannot be ruled out overnight alongside mostly clear skies, light winds and overnight lows in the upper teens. That means Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans descending on Princess Auto Stadium to watch the blue and gold take on the Toronto Argonauts might face a stray thunderstorm, though the risk remains relatively low.
