The Prairies likely to record Canada's hottest temperature so far in 2026
A significant warm-up is developing over the Prairies, with a powerful ridge of high pressure expected to bring a multi-day heat wave as temperatures are set to climb into the 30s.
With the official start of summer just a few weeks away, parts of Canada are getting another sneak preview of the hot temperatures that come with the upcoming season.
The pre-summer heat will move onto parts of the Prairies to kick off the final week of May, with daytime highs soaring towards or into the mid-30s. Canada is likely to see its hottest daytime high in 2026 so far as a result.
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The short-lived and hot pattern that will come to fruition is known as an omega block, which occurs in the upper levels of the atmosphere when a ridge of high pressure gets bookended by two troughs.
Temperatures and humidity set to rise on the eastern Prairies
The warmest temperature recorded in Canada so far in 2026 was a 33.5°C reading in Lytton, B.C., back on May 5. That national milestone is in peril during this upcoming heat wave, most likely in southern Saskatchewan, with a new high for this year likely to be set.
Daytime highs will soar into the low- to mid -30s by Monday and remain locked through Wednesday. But Manitoba will reach 30°C through Friday.
In fact, a 34°C reading is likely in southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan this week.
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Humidex values will also climb through this week with increased atmospheric moisture, making conditions feel like the mid- to possibly even upper-30s. Humidity makes it harder for our sweat to evaporate, making the muggy heat more impactful on our bodies.
We’ll see the warmth attempt to nudge east into Ontario, where temperatures will likely rise into the 20s for a few days. However, the cool and unsettled trough over the Atlantic provinces may result in periods with warmer temperatures across northern portions of Ontario and Quebec than in southern parts of the provinces.
Above-seasonal temperatures are common beneath strong ridges of high pressure, and we’re set to see readings soar across the eastern Prairies during the latter half of this week.
Hot weather and humidity safety tips
Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours and when the UV rating is high.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Use air conditioning when possible. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling centre, a shopping centre, or a public library.
Check on elderly relatives and other vulnerable neighbours.
Sweat cools us off by wicking heat away from our skin as it evaporates. Humidity prevents our sweat from evaporating efficiently—the trapped heat causing our body temperature to rise. This can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Humidity also prevents nighttime lows from cooling off as much as normal, providing little to no relief from extreme daytime temperatures.
Day after day of high heat and humidity take a toll on those living without air conditioning, folks who have chronic illnesses, and the elderly.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across the Prairies.