Soaring temperatures during the day, little relief overnight prompts heat warning in southern Manitoba

Forecasts of stifling temperatures during the day with little relief overnight have prompted a heat warning for southeastern Manitoba, including in Winnipeg, but by the end of the week the thermometer will be back around the freezing mark. 

Starting on Sunday and until Tuesday, daytime highs are expected to soar into the mid-low 30s. Overnight, the temperature is expected to hover around 16 C or warmer.  

Temperatures will moderate by Wednesday when chances of showers are forecasted overnight. 

Winnipeg is expected to see a high of 22 C on Thursday, which will make its way down to an overnight low of 0 C by Friday, according to Environment Canada's forecast for Sunday morning.

The City of Winnipeg is sending water tanks to four sites across the city to give people a place to cool off and get clean drinking water as temperatures are forecast to rise.

Extreme heat can affect everyone's health, but the risks are greater for older adults and other vulnerable people. Environment Canada is asking people to watch for early signs of heat exhaustion, including headache, nausea, dizziness and intense fatigue. 

It also said to ensure children and pets are never left alone in closed vehicles.

To reduce the health effects of heat, stay out of direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and stay in a cool space, closing blinds and open windows if it is cooler outside than inside or turning on air conditioning, Environment Canada said. 

In Winnipeg, city leisure centres and libraries will also be available for people to cool off and get drinking water during operating hours.

The city also said several 24/7 safe spaces throughout Winnipeg will be accessible during the extreme weather, including Velma's House, West End 24/7, St. Boniface Street Links, and N'Dinawemak.

Special air quality statement

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement near The Pas as plumes of smoke billowing from wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba worsen air quality and reduce visibility. 

Those 65 and older, pregnant people, infants, young children and people with an existing illness or chronic health conditions are more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, according to Environment Canada.

With increasing smoke levels the federal agency is asking people to limit their time outdoors, reschedule strenuous activities outside, and wear a mask if they must go out to reduce the exposure to fine particles in the air that can prompt health risks. 

When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, but if there is an extreme heat event with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool, Environment Canada said.