An upper ridge in the jet stream is pulling wildfire smoke into Saskatchewan and a hot air mass up from the southern United States.
Winds in the upper atmosphere have shifted smoke from Alberta and BC wildfires to the east. A special air quality statement has been issued for much of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Smoke isn’t the only thing the Prairies are dealing with this week, blistering hot temperatures are in the forecast until next week. The mercury will near 40 C in some places, which could break all-time high records. Warnings are in effect as excessive heat is expected to stick around until Sunday.
Here’s a breakdown on the current weather alerts in effect for Saskatchewan.
Air Quality Statement
Central and southern Saskatchewan are under a special air quality statement.
Environment Canada expanded the statement Wednesday morning as smoke from wildfires in BC and Alberta pushes into the province, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Smoke and reduced air quality is expected to continue into the weekend.
Visit the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)website for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Excessive Heat Warning
Most Saskatchewan is under a heat warning and temperatures are not expected to ease until next week.
Environment Canada says a ridge of high pressure building in the province over the next few days will bring hot conditions to the majority of southern and central Saskatchewan.
Temperatures in the southwestern region climbed to 34 C Wednesday afternoon, and the hot temperatures will spread eastward over the next two days. Some areas towards the Manitoba border will not see the extreme heat until Friday.
Maximum daily temperatures are expected to range between 32 and 39 C, with overnight lows in the mid-teens.
Overnight temperatures will remain high, giving little respite from the heat. The humidity will be low and the winds light throughout, but the UV index will be high.
Anyone looking for advice on health risks, symptoms or precautions associated with heat should contact the Saskatchewan HealthLine at 811.
To stay updated with radar and weather alerts in your area, download the Global News Skytracker weather app for iPhone, iPad or Android.
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