It was an absolute scorcher of a day for residents across much of the province yesterday, and one that saw numerous records shattered—or at least tied—here in Southern Saskatchewan.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke, the mercury here in Moose Jaw soared to a high of 36.1°C yesterday, tying the previous all-time high temperature record for July 9, originally set in 1980.
“It’s possible that later on we find out (when we) look at the sensors and they’ll determine that it might have been slightly warmer or slightly cooler. But (for now) we can say it was tied for the record in Moose Jaw,” said Luke.
It wasn’t just Moose Jaw that topped the charts during yesterday’s heatwave. The provincial, and national hotspot was Coronach, which reached an absurd 38.7°C — a new record for the small southern town, breaking the previous one set in 2005.
In fact, the heat was one for the record books in many other locations:
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Regina’s airport logged a high of 35.4°C, beating the record of 35°C set back in 1930.
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Rockglen climbed to 36.1°C, shattering 2018’s record of 32.7°C.
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Weyburn barely edged out its 1957 record of 35°C, topping out at 35.1°C.
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Assiniboia hit 36°C yesterday, toppling 1997’s 34.6°C.
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Broadview beat out its longstanding record of 32.8°C (set in 1960) by reaching 33.4°C.
Looking forward, temperatures are falling back to more seasonable levels as we head toward the weekend. The anticipated high today is 26°C, although wind, cloud cover and possible showers and thunderstorms may put a damper on things.
“You could still see some gusty winds or some small hail with the storms today, but it looks like the main thunderstorm risk has shifted east into Manitoba for today,” said Luke.
While the brunt of the current system is aimed towards our Manitoba neighbours, Luke noted that some inclement weather could hit north of Moose Jaw.
“We're kind of worried about some funnel clouds potentially developing. So right now, we're kind of thinking it'd be in Saskatoon up to Lloydminster, along the (Yellowhead Highway) area,” he explained.
“But that would be north of you obviously, but (it's) still something to keep in mind if anyone's traveling that way or if any of your listeners or readers are up there.”