Morning Briefing: Record heat, thunderstorms, and...Augtober?

Friday, August 15, 2014, 8:18 AM -

Wondering what you missed overnight or what you can expect for the day ahead? 

Here's your weather briefing for Friday, August 15. 

RELATED: A look ahead at the weekend across Canada

1. Heavy rain continues to soak Quebec and parts of the Maritimes 

Environment Canada (EC) issued a rainfall warning early Friday as heavy rain develops over eastern Quebec and parts of New Brunswick.

The agency says an additional 30 to 40 mm -- with locally higher amounts -- of rainfall is expected for parts of central and northern New Brunswick Friday. 

"Heavy rain will continue today, gradually diminishing from west to east with this slow moving system," says EC. 

Meanwhile, rainfall warnings continue for parts of eastern Quebec, where an additional 40 to 90 mm of rain is expected. 

For full list of watches and warning, be sure to visit our ALERTS page. 

Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, officials warn. 

2. Record heat strikes the Prairies 

Heat warnings were widespread across southern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba Thursday -- where humidex values were expected to hit the 40s.

RELATED: Oppressive and dangerous heat strikes the Prairies

As expected, many areas set new heat records on the scorching day:

For Friday, temperatures are expected to remain warm -- with the risk for isolated severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. 

3. "AUGTOBER" in Ontario 

The calender may indicate that it's summer, but it sure isn't feeling like it across Ontario.

In fact, things got so cool that motorists had their heat on blast while driving into work Thursday and Friday. 

SEE ALSO: Seasonal start to August; Autumnal through Friday, but summer returns next week

With no where else to go, people took to social media to express their displeasure with the below-seasonal temperatures using the hashtag #Augtober:

During the weekend, temperatures will start to recover closer to seasonal, but there will also be a threat for unsettled weather at times.

4. Wildfires impact air quality in British Columbia and Northwest Territories

Wildfires continue to impact air quality in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, and as a result, smoke advisories remain in effect.

The British Columbia Ministry of Environment issued a wildfire smoke advisory for Burns Lake due to forest fire smoke that is affecting the area.

"Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds and fire behaviour change," the statement reads. 

People with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis and also those with chronic heart disease to monitor their breathing and exposure to airborne matter. If problems develop call your physician immediately.

BELOW: A closer look at Augtober