‘One final day of extreme heat’ says Environment Canada

The province seems to be split in half, with the Northern sections having air quality warnings and the South still blanketed with heat.

Heat Warning: Southern Saskatchewan

Environment Canada urges people to “Stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 11 AM – 3 p.m.”

It added Thursday should be the final day of extreme heat for southern Saskatchewan.

Mixed in with daytime high temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and above is a humidex with values likely exceeding 38.

For those who will be outside, Environment Canada says to “wear appropriate sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.”

And to avoid any extreme physical exertion.

Air Quality Advisory: Northern Saskatchewan

Environment Canada also cautions that wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary from hour to hour.

“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk,” said the air quality warning for Northern Saskatchewan.

More information on air quality alerts for specific areas of the province is available at weather.gc.ca. Information is also available on the Saskatchewan Public Service Agency website at saskpublicsafety.ca and the SaskAlert app. The provincial air quality summary for Saskatchewan can be found here.

“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising anyone experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing, severe cough, dizziness or chest pains to stop outdoor activities and contact a healthcare provider.

Read more

• How wildfire smoke exposure can impact your health
• Drowning prevention week: How to stay safe on the lake
• Here’s what to do if you suspect someone has heatstroke
• Where can you have a campfire in Saskatchewan?

With Canadian Press files