How hot will temperatures get this weekend in Manitoba?

WINNIPEG -

Environment Canada is warning Manitobans that much of the province will see temperatures in the low to mid-30s as the heat wave continues into the weekend.

The weather agency has issued a heat warning for several parts of the province, including Winnipeg, Brandon and Steinbach, saying daytime highs will be above 30 C with overnight lows around 20 C. A full list of the public weather alerts can be found online.

The Manitoba government notes that most of the province will be impacted by the heat, with the exception of the far northeast area.

Environment Canada is reminding people that hot weather affects everyone, but heat illness is preventable.

The weather agency recommends people take the following precautions during the heat wave:

• Plan outdoor activities during cooler times of day;
• Take a cool shower or bath, or take a break from the heat in a cool location;
• Stay out of the direct sunlight;
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes and a wide-brimmed hat;
• Drink a lot of water and stay in a cool place;
• Keep your home cool;
• Don’t leave people or pets in parked vehicles;
• Check on family, friends and neighours; and
• Watch for the effects of heat illness and heat stroke.

AIR QUALITY

Environment Canada has also issued air quality warnings for parts of Manitoba, including Little Grand Rapids, Poplar River and Tadoule Lake, saying there are elevation pollution levels in these locations.

It notes that a number of forest fires in Ontario and Manitoba are causing reduced visibilities and poor air quality, adding that conditions will fluctuate but smoke will continue to affect the areas.

Environment Canada encourages those living or travelling to the areas under air quality warnings to be aware of potential health concerns. It advises people to limit their outdoor activity, try to stay indoors, turn off furnaces and air conditioning units that could draw smoke indoors, and keep indoor air clean by avoiding smoking or burning other materials.

Those at higher risk are young kids, elderly people, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions.

STAYING COOL IN WINNIPEG

Jay Shaw, manager of the City of Winnipeg’s Emergency Operations Centre, said the city is taking the following steps to help people stay cool during the heat wave;

• The city’s spray pads are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.;
• Most of the city’s outdoor pools and wading pools are open;
• The city is providing heat relief for vulnerable residents through water tanks with potable water near the Salvation Army at 180 Henry Ave.; the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre at 185 Young St.; the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre and Spence Neighbourhood Association at 430 Langside St.; and the Bear Clan headquarters at 585 Selkirk Avenue;
• The city is working with partners at the Downtown Community Safety Partnership to have a tent set up in Central Park to provide bottled water for residents; and
• The main floor of Susan A. Thompson building at City Hall is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. as a cooling centre.

Shaw reminded Winnipeggers that the city is under a fire ban.

A complete list of all the city’s aquatic facilities can be found online.