Heat and smoke warnings blanket Sask., high temps to continue all week

Saskatchewan can expect to start a week of very warm weather with a hot, smoky day.

Air quality advisories from Environment Canada covered much of the province on Monday, while heat warnings were in effect for large areas north of Saskatoon.

According to the weather service, smoke from wildfires is affecting air quality and visibility in much of the province, including Saskatoon and Regina. Only the southwest, far north, and a small area near Hudson Bay were not under the air quality advisories on Monday morning.

“The smoke plume will be moving south and east throughout the day. Smoke is expected to slowly disperse, improving conditions by this evening,” Environment Canada said in a statement.

“The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase.”

Meanwhile, heat warnings were in effect on Monday morning for Prince Albert, North Battleford, and much of northern Saskatchewan.

“Temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius are expected for the next 3 to 5 days,” Environment Canada warned.

“An upper level ridge is building into the western Prairies resulting in clear skies and extreme daytime temperatures along with warm overnight lows.”

Temperatures are expected to remain high throughout most of the week, Environment Canada noted, with the hottest days expected from Tuesday through Thursday.

“Temperatures will moderate by the end of the week and into the weekend,” the weather service said.

According to Environment Canada’s forecast, Saskatoon can expect 29 C on Monday, followed by 30 C days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The week is expected to be even hotter in Regina, with a high of 29 C expected on Monday, followed by 31 C on Tuesday, 30 C on Wednesday, and 34 C Thursday.

In a social media post, the Saskatchewan Health Authority recommended taking precautions against the heat and smoke by keeping doors and windows closed, staying hydrated, and reducing outdoor activities when possible.

Take precautions as smoke is creating poor air quality & heat is affecting many parts of #Sask.
• Stay hydrated
• Close windows & exterior doors
• If have A/C, keep fresh-air intake closed
• Close fireplace dampers on wood burning fireplaces
• Reduce outdoor activities pic.twitter.com/vB1r0Yaa89

— Saskatchewan Health Authority (@SaskHealth) July 8, 2024

The heat will come as a welcome change to many farmers, as the cool, rainy spring and early summer has impeded crop development in many parts of the province.

The latest on the weather alerts can be found on Environment Canada’s website.