Hot, humid temperatures and wildfire smoke in store for Sask.
Heat, humidity, and smoke are in store for much of Saskatchewan in the next few days.
Heat warnings are in place for areas including Prince Albert National Park, La Ronge and Buffalo Narrows as of 1 p.m. CST Wednesday.
Special air quality statements were also issued for Cree Lake, Collins Bay, La Ronge P.A. National Park and other areas, due to smoke from wildfires burning in the north and the west.
Heat warnings are in place for northern and western parts of the province Wednesday, as the heat continues to move eastward. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Terri Lang, a meteorologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, said it is an extended period of heat, but is normal for summer in the area.
She said the heat will continue to expand eastward.
"In the southwest corner, we'll probably see the highest temperatures, around mid-30s. I would think more through the central parts of the province low to mid-30s, and in the north probably high 20s to low 30s," Lang said.
Provincial fire ban modified
Part of the provincial fire ban issued by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) last Thursday has been modified.
The provincial fire ban will remain in effect for all Crown lands, provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District located north of the provincial forest boundary
But south of Prince Albert it will be up to individual municipalities, First Nation communities, rural municipalities and parks to determine if a fire ban is required, the province said.
"Each provincial park in the southern part of the province will continue to work with the SPSA to determine risk and implement campfire restrictions if required," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said in a news release.
"We encourage all residents and visitors to remain diligent in preventing human-caused fires in all areas of Saskatchewan."
As of Thursday, there are 95 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatchewan has had 367 wildfires, which is 119 more than the five-year average of 248.
"While we are modifying the current fire ban, the situation is dependent on weather, temperature, soil conditions and overall fire risk," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said in a news release.
Tips to beat the heat:
Try to get things done in the cooler parts of the day. Lang said people often think the hottest part of the day is around noon, but it is later in the afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Stay hydrated.
Seek shade and air conditioning.
Check on people who don't have air conditioning.
