Winnipeg breaks heat record Saturday

WINNIPEG – Saturday’s sizzler broke Winnipeg’s 1980 daily high temperature record for May 24.

It reached 33.3 C Saturday, a temperature Winnipeggers haven’t felt since Sept. 6, 2013 — more than eight months ago.

But after the record-breaking winter that hit the city, Winnipeggers welcomed the heat wave and lined up by the dozens for a sweet cold treat.

“It’s so hot; it’s going to get up to 30 degrees. It’s going to be super busy. It’s crazy,” said Jessica Jacob, owner of the Bridge Drive-Inn ice cream stand.

Others cooled down fishing near the rivers.

“I worked my way up the Red River looking for walleye and I saw some kayaks and canoes coming up the river as I was fishing, so maybe I’ll check that out,” said Shawn Adams, who spent the day fishing.

Gardens also got a makeover with gardeners seeding and planting under the beating sun for the first time this season.

“It was just way too cold last weekend, so we made plans that today was going to be our day to be out here and spend the day and plant our garden and get it started for the season,” said gardener April Beaulieu.

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The heat seemed to come out of the blue, with many still bundled up last weekend.

“All of a sudden you see shorts, you see thong flip-flops, you see people gardening. They’ve been waiting; we’ve been starved,” said Darlene Williams, who was surprised by the heat.