‘Hopefully you have an air conditioner:’ Environment Canada warns of near-record heat in Saskatoon

It’s going to be a toasty one in Saskatoon on Monday.

Environment Canada is forecasting a daytime high of 35 C for the city, along with an overnight low of 14 C.

Warning preparedness meteorologist Natalie Hasell explains why the heat wave is moving into the province.

“We are looking at a large ridge of high pressure over the western prairies. Alberta and Saskatchewan are going to see heat,” she said. “Hopefully you have an air conditioner.”

Although the heat will get close to the record of 36.1 C set in 1949, Hasell says she doesn’t believe the city will reach heat warning criteria. However, some areas just north of Saskatoon are already within the threshold.

Heat warnings have been issued for the cities of Lloydminster, Prince Albert and the Battlefords, along with towns such as Meadow Lake, Hudson Bay, Buffalo Narrows, Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin, Shellbrook and their surrounding areas.

For the very latest information on Environment Canada warnings, click here.

Hasell did offer up some hot weather tips as well.

She said to keep children and pets out of locked, warm cars, stay hydrated, wear light-coloured clothing and take breaks with air conditioning if you’re out in the heat.

“It’ll be worth paying attention to how you’re feeling,” Hasell said. “Heat illness can kick in really quickly. There are some members of the population that are more at risk.”

Hasell said older adults, young children and people with chronic illnesses are just some of the population more susceptible to the heat.

She said for those without air conditioning, there is a trick to beating the heat. She suggested using ice cubes and a fan to cool down.

“You can put the ice cubes in front of the fan and then blow cooler air around like that,” she explained.