Environment Canada is warning that "significant heat and humidity [is] moving into southern Manitoba this weekend."
The national weather service first put out a heat warning for southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg, on Friday, and has continued it early Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, air quality statements continue for Northern Manitoba as smoke from wildfires continues to cover the north.
Heat warnings from Environment Canada:
A hot and increasingly humid air mass will bring oppressive heat to parts of southern Manitoba this weekend. Daytime highs in the low 30s will combine with unusually high humidity, especially on Sunday.
Humidex values will climb into the upper 30s across parts of southern Manitoba on Saturday. On Sunday, dew point values will climb into the low to mid-20s and push humidex values into the mid-40s.
The humidity on Sunday will be unusually high; it will be especially important to watch for the effects of heat illness if spending time outdoors.
In addition to the high humidex values, the humid conditions will result in hot temperatures through Saturday night with overnight lows only reaching the low 20s.
The heat will begin to ease on Sunday night; a cold front moving through the province will bring a drier air mass with seasonal temperatures into the region.
Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health.
The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
Reduce your heat risk. Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
Limit direct sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat and/or an umbrella.
Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Ask a health professional, such as a pharmacist or physician, how medications or health conditions can affect your risk in the heat.
Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.
All workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool or shaded space.
Extreme heat affects everyone. Heat illnesses are preventable. To reduce the health effects of heat:
- Take a cool shower or bath or take a break in a cool location, such as an air-conditioned building or a tree-shaded area.
- Stay out of direct sunlight and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or shade yourself with an umbrella.
- Drink plenty of water, before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. If you must go out, take water with you.
- Keep your house cool. Block the sun out by closing curtains, blinds, and awnings during the day
- Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
- Check on family, friends and neighbours. Check regularly on people living alone, especially older individuals or people with health conditions. Make sure they are cool and drinking water.
- Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, and the worsening of some health conditions.
- Watch for signs of heat stroke (which may begin with headache, hot skin, dizziness or confusion) and take action immediately.
Air quality statement for Northern Manitoba
Wildfire smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Southerly winds developing over the next 24 hours will clear wildfire smoke out of the area; out of Southern Saskatchewan later this evening, Southern Manitoba by Saturday morning and northern areas gradually over Saturday, by Saturday night.
Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke such as seniors, pregnant women and pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors.
Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, reduce or stop outdoor activities. Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
Limit time outdoors. Consider rescheduling or cancelling outdoor sports, activities and events.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Always seek out and follow health guidance from local authorities.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.