Shawn Slaght

Warmer than average sea surface temperatures off the South American coasts could significantly affect our weather this fall and winter. 

Also known as El Nino, the abnormal temperatures of such large bodies of water can offset what the jet stream does. The jet stream is the divide between warmer and colder air that generally runs over western North America. 

Strong northwest winds on Wednesday are expected to make it hazy in the southeast by Thursday.

With smoky conditions, come health risks.

Those with respiratory illnesses such as COPD and asthma and existing cardiovascular illness may find their symptoms will worsen when the air quality is poor. Children and the elderly are also at risk. 

One of the biggest country music festivals around is about to take over Craven. 

Country Thunder Saskatchewan is taking place from July 13 to 16. It will be a star-studded lineup with headliners Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. 

Also performing will be Bailey Zimmerman, Brett Kissel, Jess Moskaluke, Midland, High Valley and Carly Pearce just to name a few. 

One of the biggest country music festivals around is about to take over Craven. 

Country Thunder Saskatchewan is taking place from July 13 to 16. It will be a star-studded lineup with headliners Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. 

Also performing will be Bailey Zimmerman, Brett Kissel, Jess Moskaluke, Midland, High Valley and Carly Pearce just to name a few. 

It's almost as though the southeast has entered a 'rainy season' - a boon to all the crops in the area. But could farmland moisture play a role in the severity of these storms? 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Natalie Hasell, it is possible. 

She said moisture is what fuels thunderstorms. If there is enough low-level moisture near the surface it can build a storm. 

Residents are being reminded to be vigilant for ticks on themselves and pets heading into summer and into the fall.  

The most common tick in the province is the wood or dog tick, which generally doesn’t carry any diseases. However, blacklegged ticks have been found in the province and they can carry Lyme disease.  

Blacklegged ticks can be found in tall grass, brush and wooded areas. While they are rare, the risk isn’t zero.  

Residents are being reminded to be vigilant for ticks on themselves and pets heading into summer and into the fall.  

The most common tick in the province is the wood or dog tick, which generally doesn’t carry any diseases. However, blacklegged ticks have been found in the province and they can carry Lyme disease.  

Blacklegged ticks can be found in tall grass, brush and wooded areas. While they are rare, the risk isn’t zero.  

Thinking about cleaning up the branches and leaves in your yard this spring or mowing your lawn? The debris can be precious shelter for insects and other animals in our ecosystem.  

Nature Conservancy of Canada’s director of science and stewardship Dr. Mhairi McFarlane is recommending that you clean up your yard slowly and gradually as that debris can act as shelter for animals when it is cold out and gives them something to eat throughout the summer.  

Thinking about cleaning up the branches and leaves in your yard this spring or mowing your lawn? The debris can be precious shelter for insects and other animals in our ecosystem.  

Nature Conservancy of Canada’s director of science and stewardship Dr. Mhairi McFarlane is recommending that you clean up your yard slowly and gradually as that debris can act as shelter for animals when it is cold out and gives them something to eat throughout the summer.  

Local farmers are dealing with thousands of dollars worth of damages due to the growing population of wildlife such as deer and elk. 

The wildlife is tearing into grain bags and stealing livestock feed. Nick Cornea, who farms in the southeast, doesn’t have livestock and keeps his grain in bins. Even then, he’s seeing an influx of mule deer wandering into his yard and eating trees and shrubs.