Extreme heat and smoky skies on tap for southwestern Sask. Friday

Residents in southwestern Saskatchewan could feel like they’re in a giant barbecue on Friday.

Heat warnings and special air quality statements were in effect Friday morning for many communities south and west of Regina, including Moose Jaw, Assiniboia, Swift Current and Maple Creek.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said daytime highs are expected to be in the mid-30s, but it added a cold front will sweep through the region Friday night, bringing a return to more seasonal temperatures.

The weather office also said extreme heat affects everyone, adding children, people who are older, have lung or heart conditions, are pregnant or work outside are at a greater risk of developing health complications from the heat.

“Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion,” ECCC added.

Meanwhile, the weather office said it expects smoke from wildfires burning in southern British Columbia to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility on Friday.

It also warned wildfire smoke concentration can fluctuate over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.

More advice on how to manage the heat and poor air quality can be found on the Environment and Climate Change Canada website.