West Central Saskatchewan experienced unseasonably warm temperatures on Wednesday, breaking multiple daily heat records as fall ushered in summer-like conditions. According to Environment Canada, several regions saw their highest temperatures ever recorded on September 25.
In the Rosetown area, a new maximum temperature of 34.0°C was set, surpassing the previous record of 33.8°C set in 2001. Weather data in the region has been recorded since 1913.
The Outlook area also saw a new record high, reaching 33.6°C, beating the 2001 record of 32.4°C. Records in this area date back to 1915.
Other areas across the province also experienced record-breaking temperatures:
- Moose Jaw: New record of 35.0°C, surpassing the 33.2°C record from 2014. Weather records here have been kept since 1894.
- Watrous: New record of 33.7°C, beating the 30.9°C record set in 2011. Data collection started in 1953.
- Saskatoon: New record of 33.2°C, topping the previous 32.7°C from 2001. Records in Saskatoon date back to 1900.
- Nipawin: New record of 32.6°C, surpassing the 30.0°C record from 1950. Records have been kept since 1927.
- Melfort: New record of 32.1°C, breaking the 30.0°C mark set in 1950. Data collection began in 1910.
- Prince Albert: New record of 32.0°C, beating the 29.0°C record from 2001. The city has kept records since 1884.
- Rockglen: New record of 31.8°C, surpassing the 31.1°C record from 2011. Records started in 1970.
- Wynyard: New record of 31.4°C, breaking the 30.0°C record set in 2011. Data has been kept since 1964.
- Spiritwood: New record of 30.7°C, beating the previous 30.2°C record from 2001. Weather data collection began in 1923.
- Waskesiu Lake: New record of 29.2°C, surpassing the 27.6°C record from 2011. Records have been kept since 1966.
While these late-season temperatures are unusual, Environment Canada notes that these records are derived from historical data and may contain preliminary or unofficial information. The fall heatwave has surprised many residents, but it’s a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Saskatchewan’s weather.