The Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding people to stay protected during the upcoming projected heat wave across the province.
A heat warning has already been in place since Wednesday for North Battleford, RM of Britannia, Wilkie and other areas in the region. According to Environment Canada, temperatures are expected to reach near 29 degrees. Dan Kulak with Environment Canada says Friday is the last day for the warning and after that, there is a risk of thunderstorms in the area.
Across the province, heat warnings are in effect for much of southern Saskatchewan. SHA Senior Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski says people need to take extra care of themselves during a heat wave in order to prevent any heat-related illnesses.
“It is especially important for babies, young children, the elderly and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions to stay out of the heat.”
Kulak says July is the hottest month of the year so heat warnings are very likely during this time of year.
“The normal daytime high for Lloydminster, Battlefords and the general area are in the mid-twenties, 23 to 25 degrees somewhere around there. When we get into temperatures that are around 29 degrees that is the maximum we’re looking. So when you get days warmer than 29 with lows in between these days of around 14 or greater that’s when you’re able to get the heat warning criteria.”
Currently, in Lloydminster, there is not a heat warning in place. According to Kulak Alberta and Saskatchewan, each have their own criteria for weather warnings, for example, there is no humidity criteria for Alberta, but there is in Saskatchewan.