Hot temperatures stretch across Saskatchewan

Across Saskatchewan this weekend, people will be finding ways to cool down.

Environment Canada has heat warnings in effect covering most of the northern and southwestern parts of the province.

If you’re outside of those areas, you likely won’t be escaping the heat either, as temperatures are expected to range from the high 20s to low 30s all weekend.

Anybody planning on spending time outside was advised to take precautions by planning events during cooler periods of the day, taking frequent breaks out of the sun, staying hydrated and not leaving anyone in a closed vehicle, including pets.

But there are plenty of ways to cool down from the heat.

Paola Chiste of Beppi’s Gelato said they’re working long hours to make sure every pan is full of cool treats.

“In the summer we usually make gelato five days a week, but we’re definitely making it six days a week,” Chiste said.

She’s kept a close eye on the forecast as well, to make sure she can plan her grocery trips for all of the different flavours. But it can be tough finding ingredients.

“There’s products or ingredients that aren’t available, so some flavours we can’t do, and then some of our essential ingredients are hard to find, which makes it a bit of a scramble,” she added. Christe said she sometimes has to make trips to multiple grocery stores, as lemons have been in short supply this summer.

But she has been able to keep in stock one of the most popular flavours, named in honour of her dog, which contains salted caramel and chocolate chunks.

Expect to see some long lines for gelato and ice cream this weekend, and keep a close eye on symptoms of heat stroke or heat-related illness, as the risk is increased during these high temperatures.