Environment Canada issues heat warnings in western Saskatchewan

A prolonged heat wave is expected to start in west-central Saskatchewan over the weekend.

In a statement, Environment Canada said afternoon high temperatures near 30 C are expected this weekend, and will approach 35 C in some regions by next week.

Heat warnings are issued when there is little or no reprieve from the warm temperatures during the normally cooler overnight period.

Young children, those who are pregnant, older adults and people with chronic illness are at a higher risk to feel the effects of extreme heat.

According to Environment Canada, people may experience swelling, rash, cramps and heat stroke if they spend too much time in extreme heat.

This system is part of a “heat dome” covering most of British Columbia and Alberta.

It’s not a term commonly used by the weather office but it describes the way the high-pressure ridge acts like a dome trapping heat in one area.