Shawn Slaght

While the dry conditions have made for a difficult growing season, it can also take its toll on a farmer’s mental health. 

According to a National Survey of Farmer Mental Health conducted at the University of Guelph, 40 per cent of producers in Canada said that they would feel uneasy about seeking professional help due to what people may think. The survey also showed that 75 per cent of farmers have mid to high stress levels. 

While the dry conditions have made for a difficult growing season, it can also take its toll on a farmer’s mental health. 

According to a National Survey of Farmer Mental Health conducted at the University of Guelph, 40 per cent of producers in Canada said that they would feel uneasy about seeking professional help due to what people may think. The survey also showed that 75 per cent of farmers have mid to high stress levels. 

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. 

Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang said they are expecting a particularly strong El Nino this year. 

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.