Hot, humid Canada Day weekend forecast in the Maritimes prompts sun safety warnings

It’s finally starting to feel like summer and while the higher temperatures are welcomed by many, it’s about to get very warm.

“Basically we get this ridge of high pressure and it’s going to be pumping in the warm air from the southwest and right now we’re forecasting temperatures in the high twenties, even quite a few thirties are expected over Saturday and Sunday,” said Ian Hubbard, an Environment Canada meteorologist.

READ: Hot, humid Canada Day weekend expected for the East Coast

The weather service has issued a special weather statement for all of the Maritimes, warning people about elevated humidex values over the Canada Day long weekend.

Environment Canada says some areas could reach or exceed heat warning humidex values in the mid-thirties this weekend and possibly even into early next week.

The rising temperatures have RCMP reminding the public not to leave anything or anyone inside a hot vehicle.

“We’ve certainly seen that the temperature can increase very quickly when a person or even a pet is left in a vehicle,” said RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Clarke.

“Particularly with younger children, they can’t get out of the vehicle alone if they’re buckled in a car seat. It’s always best to bring them with you. It’s just not safe to leave them in a vehicle for any amount of time.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Particularly with younger children, they can't get out of the vehicle alone if they're buckled in a car seat. It's always best to bring them with you. It's just not safe to leave them in a vehicle for any amount of time."

WATCH: Life Meter for Pets: animal rescue organization warns against leaving pets in cars

The Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging people use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher

“Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada and it’s also highly preventable so just by wearing sunscreen, applying amply every two hours you can prevent skin cancer,” said Angie McAuley of the Canadian Cancer Society.

It’s expected 440 women and men across the maritimes will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year.

“Specifically in PEI, I’d like to point out that rate is higher in men and so I think that has to do with industry. So farming, people working on boats or roofers, that type of thing. People outside working so it puts them more at risk,” said McAuley.

READ MORE: Summer safety: What you need to know about sunscreen and protecting your skin

In addition to sunscreen, people are encouraged to wear extra protection while out in the sun.

“It’s not about avoiding the sun, it’s about being smart in the sun,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's not about avoiding the sun, it's about being smart in the sun," she said.

“I would recommend in addition to your sunscreen, wearing protection. So that could be longer sleeve clothing, wearing a hat. So even wearing a hat provides shelter to the back of your neck and around your ears, which can be a sensitive area and an area people forget to apply their sunscreen and sunglasses are really important. A lot of people don’t know you can develop melanoma on your eye.”

If you like the warm weather, you’re in luck. Experts are expecting temperatures to be slightly above normal for July and August.