A heat advisory has been issued as Manitoba settles in for several days of extreme heat across the southern portion of the province.
In a news release on Friday, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care reminded the public to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness, including those attending the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Environment Canada shows Winnipeg and surrounding areas will experience daytime highs of between 35°C and 37°C between Saturday and Monday, July 13. Paired with the humidex, temperatures will feel closer to 45 with a UV index of 8 or higher.
“If you are with someone who becomes unconscious, is confused or feels hot and has dry skin, call 911,” the province said.
“They may be experiencing heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. While waiting for emergency medical help, move the person to a cool or shaded place, apply cold water to large areas of skin or clothing, and fan the person as much as possible.”
According to Environment Canada criteria, southern Manitoba (including Winnipeg and the Red River Valley) will technically meet the threshold of being in a “heat wave” this weekend. Based on meteorological definitions, this includes two or more consecutive days of daytime highs reaching 32°C or warmer with nighttime lows remaining at or above 16°C.
Temperatures slowly start to drop off into mid-next week, with daytime highs sitting in the high 20s beginning Wednesday.
