Severe thunderstorms watches, warnings issued in central Sask.

A week of sweltering heat in Saskatchewan could be ending with a bang.

Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for large areas of central Saskatchewan on Friday, saying the storms that hit Saskatoon and other areas overnight could continue through the morning.

“Thunderstorms continue as a weak cold front travels through Saskatchewan,” the weather service said in a statement. “These thunderstorms will move towards the east or southeast early Friday morning. Some may remain severe for the next few hours.”

A tree on Kingsmere Boulevard in Saskatoon fell during thunderstorms overnight on July 11. (Taylor MacPherson/650 CKOM)

While the entire province was blanketed with heat warnings earlier in the week, only the southeastern corner of the province remained under a heat alert on Friday morning.

An air quality advisory from Environment Canada for areas north of Prince Albert and Meadow Lake also remained in effect on Friday due to wildfire smoke.

“Wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” Environment Canada explained. “During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health.”

The heat and threat from wildfires led the provincial government to issue a fire ban on Thursday.

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