Extreme heat lingers over parts of the Prairies, widespread weekend storm risk
Record-setting heat continues to soar across parts of the Prairies with a severe thunderstorm risk expanding into the weekend.
While the heat eases somewhat and warnings drop off across western sections, Saskatchewan and Manitoba see very hot temperatures continue into the weekend, hottest in the latter province. Along with the lingering sizzling conditions will be a widespread threat for thunderstorms, some which could reach severe criteria into Saturday. More on the storm timing and how long the heat will last, below.
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WEEKEND: SHIFTING STORM RISK, HEAT SUBSIDES FOR SOME
The Prairie region has had shifting bands of storm risk for much of the past week. As the weekend begins, more widespread rain and thunderstorms are anticipated for parts of the region on Saturday, as a system develops over Alberta and tracks eastwards.
The threat for severe storms to develop is centred over southern Manitoba once again, fuelled by the intense heat and humidity gripping that part of the region.
Temperature-wise, heat warnings, once widespread across the region, drew back from Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan Friday, as those areas see some cooler conditions into the start of the weekend.
But southern Manitoba continues to swelter Saturday, with temperatures firmly in the mid-30s, the hottest in the country.
Where heat warnings are in place, residents are being urged to plan outdoor activities during cooler hours of the day, as well as take frequent breaks from the heat and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
"The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors," says Environment Canada in the warning.
"Watch for the effects of heat illness: Swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions."
Southern Manitoba will get a break from the persistent heat on Sunday.
Sunday temp
Conditions will remain mostly dry across the southern Prairies through early and mid next week, with the western Prairies staying mostly cool. The 30-degree heat, however, will return to southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The jet stream pattern will also become favourable for more widespread unsettled weather next week, with forecasters watching a potentially significant system during the second half of the week. It could bring widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms, though it's still too early for exact details on that setup and what areas will see the heaviest rain.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for the Prairies.