ECCC: ‘Warmer than normal heat levels could last until early Sept.’

Hot temperatures in Saskatchewan have been causing the province to sweat. Weeks have been jam-packed with 30-plus temperatures and people are starting to wonder when they can expect some relief.

David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada shared that it won’t be until Friday that folks can begin to see the temperature drop.

“There’s a system coming in from British Columbia that will kind of push that high pressure, that ridge a little further to the East. So in fact, what you may see, it may get warmer before it gets cooler,” said Phillips.

Phillips suggested heat waves usually don’t last as long in Saskatchewan and the duration of the heat is what has been noteworthy. 

“Compared to say 2021, we had that incredible heat dome over Western Canada. But, this one I would say that we’re maybe talking about seven, eight, nine days where the temperature has been if not 30 degrees maybe in the 29’s.”

Phillips said while Saskatchewan is stuck in a high-pressure area, wind will not be as present to help cool things down.

“You’re breathing the same air on a Monday that you breathe on Friday. It’s very stagnant and stale kind of air. It’s not good from a health point of view,” explained Phillips.

“The combination of heat, pretty intense heat and long-lasting, and then also add to that the smoke.”

Phillips said one of the only positive parts of the smoke is that it is blocking the sun from making the grounds any hotter in Saskatchewan.

Due to the precipitation, the province had at the beginning of the month, Phillips said he can imagine crops are growing like crazy due to the heat. Phillips shared the most ideal conditions for farmers would be if it rains one more time before July ends.

“Another good soaking would be great if it could be in the morning at about three or four o’clock. That would keep the golfers happy and the vacationers happy,” said Phillips. “A nice, gentle air mask kind of rain that waters the province.”

Phillips warned the Province has not seen its hottest days yet.

“We are still a week away from what we call ‘the dog days’ of summer in Saskatchewan, where you statistically have the warmest moment of the summer. So that is still coming (in) late July or early August.”

Phillips explained that the warmer-than-normal heat levels could last until early September.