Environment Canada has issued heat warnings spanning from southeastern Saskatchewan to western Quebec, depicted on maps in fiery shades of yellow and orange. This week, temperatures in four provinces are soaring, feeling like mid-40s Celsius due to high humidity.
Southern and central regions of Manitoba, as well as most of Ontario including major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, are under heat warnings. The weather agency cautions about elevated humidity levels, heat-related exhaustion, and poor air quality in some areas.
Yellow alerts signal potentially disruptive or health-impacting weather conditions, while orange alerts indicate a higher likelihood of such impacts. The orange warnings extending from south of Regina to Winnipeg and on to the Quebec border are in effect. Temperatures in the warning zones are expected to reach the 30s, with Thunder Bay, Ontario, forecasted to hit a high of 38 degrees Celsius.
In Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northwestern Ontario, peak heat is anticipated today, with other warned areas expecting hotter temperatures on Tuesday. Manitoba has already witnessed record-breaking heat, with seven communities setting new temperature records on Sunday. Portage la Prairie, for instance, surpassed a temperature record dating back to the Second World War, reaching 35.7 degrees Celsius.
Environment Canada warns that the upcoming hot and humid conditions could further worsen air quality, already affected by recent wildfire smoke. Toronto and Winnipeg have announced the availability of water, cooling stations, pools, and other cooling facilities for public use.
Environment Canada advises people to watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as headaches, dizziness, thirst, and fatigue. Individuals displaying signs of heat stroke should seek immediate medical help. The warning emphasizes checking on older adults, individuals living alone, and other vulnerable groups multiple times a day.
Additional recommendations from Environment Canada include staying hydrated, seeking cooler indoor spaces, scheduling outdoor activities during cooler times, wearing light-colored clothing, and following guidance from local health authorities.
Images from Ottawa Bluesfest and Winnipeg show people staying hydrated and distributing water bottles during the sweltering heat.