‘Oppressive conditions’: Heat warnings issued for southern Sask.

The heat is on in Saskatchewan.

According to Environment Canada, central and southern Saskatchewan will be feeling a blast of heat starting on Friday afternoon and lasting into the middle of next week.

Heat warnings had been issued for most of southern Saskatchewan as of 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.

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As of Thursday afternoon, an orange warning had been issued for the southeast corner of Saskatchewan, including Regina, forecasting humidex values reaching 45.

Yellow warnings for the northeast and southwest areas were more moderate with humidex values of 42 forecast.

“Temperatures will approach the 30 degree mark on Friday and climb to the mid 30s by the end of the weekend,” the weather service said in a statement.

“Conditions will be particularly muggy this weekend, especially in regions along and south of the Trans-Canada Highway, with humidex values approaching 45 on Sunday.”

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement ahead of the heat wave, covering all of central and southern Saskatchewan and stretching as far north as Meadow Lake and Nipawin.

Environment Canada is warning of a heat wave expected to hit Saskatchewan and Manitoba over the coming days. Screenshot taken on July 9, 2026. (Environment Canada)

“Temperature and humidex values will ease slightly early next week, but daytime highs will remain in the high 20s to low 30s range for most of the week,” Environment Canada said.

“We’re looking at some pretty oppressive conditions this weekend,” added meteorologist Rose Carlsen.

“Part of the issue also is that there has been a fair bit of precipitation over the southern portion of Saskatchewan fairly recently, so it’s not just that we’re getting building temperatures, it’s that we are also having a lot of moisture in place that’s going to allow it to be quite humid.”

Carlsen said the hottest areas will be south of the Trans Canada Highway.

“We’re looking at highs that are going to be approaching the upper 30s, but also quite humid as well, so it’s going to feel much hotter,” she said.

“The really oppressive conditions are going to be this weekend, and then it’s going to start to taper, but we’re still looking at highs in like the mid-30s going into next week, so it’s not going to be like a quick cool-off.”

The hot weather will be welcomed by farmers in some regions, where cool and wet conditions have left some fields saturated and slowed down crop development.

–with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink