More Saskatchewan storms possible, wildfires in north

The threat of more extreme weather continued for much of the province on Sunday, as heat warnings and wildfires were also impacting Saskatchewan.

The storm situation was not as volatile as on Friday, where a number of unconfirmed tornadoes were recorded, but the Weather Network said conditions were still right for big, slow-moving storms to develop on Sunday, likely producing localized heavy rain, hail and damaging winds.

Read more:

• VIDEO: Tornadoes, severe storms cause damage across northern Sask.
• Waldheim tornado leaves uprooted trees, damaged homes and businesses
• Photos: Saskatchewan storms drop damaging tornadoes

There were no storm warnings around 1 p.m. for anywhere in the province.

Environment Canada said the cities of Moose Jaw, Regina, Estevan and Weyburn as well as a number of RMs remained under an orange heat warning as the multi-day heat event continues, with humidex values reaching 42 C and temperatures exceeding 32 C are expected.

Overnight low temperatures will remain high as well, not dropping below 16 degrees and yellow heat warns blanketed much of the remainder of the southern part of the province.

Less severe yellow heat warnings were still in place for Saskatoon, Swift Current, Prince Albert, Yorkton and most of the rest of southern Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada said daytime highs will drop to the high 20s on Monday, and stay there for the rest of the week.

(Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency)

There were 52 active fires burning in Saskatchewan on Sunday, mostly in the northern part of the province.

SPSA said in a 10 a.m. report that six of those blazes were not contained, while another 34 of the fires were under ongoing assessment and firefighters were protecting values in eight. Four fires were considered contained.

Contained means suppression action is taking place and the fire is not expected to grow in size, ongoing assessment means the fire is being monitored regularly to assess risk to values in the area and not contained means suppression action is taking place but the fire is expected to grow in size, according to SPSA.

Protecting values means a fire is active and action is focused on protecting things like cabins and infrastructure.

A single fire ban exists for Aylsham urban municipality, with the fire danger considered high in southwestern Saskatchewan as well as in northern and northeastern parts.

SPSA says there have been 229 fires in Saskatchewan so far in 2026. At this time last year the province had seen 372 blazes. The five-year average to date for Saskatchewan wildfires is 298.

Heat still a risk

Hot temperatures, which can feel hotter because of high humidity, bring with them a risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says classic heatstroke can develop without exertion when a person is exposed to a hot environment and the body is unable to cool itself effectively. The body’s ability to sweat and transfer the heat to the environment is reduced. and a person with heatstroke may stop sweating.

Classic heatstroke may develop over several days, and babies, older adults, and people with chronic health problems are at the greatest risk.

Exertional heatstroke may develop when a person is working or exercising in a hot environment. A person with heatstroke from exertion may sweat profusely, but the body still produces more heat than it can lose. This causes the body’s temperature to rise.

What are the symptoms of heatstroke?

“These people have altered levels of consciousness. They’re dizzy, they’re confused, they’re maybe going in and out of consciousness and they’ve stopped sweating,” family physician Dr. Carla Holinaty told 980 CJME in 2023.

“They just don’t have that capacity anymore and now their skin is dry.”

What can I do about heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and people should call 9-1-1 as soon as they notice someone showing signs of heatstroke.

After calling for help, Holinaty said it’s important to cool the afflicted person down by moving them to a cool, shady place or using cold, wet towels to lower their body temperature.

“I wouldn’t be trying to get them to drink a whole lot of liquid, especially if they’re quite confused or kind of coming in and out of consciousness, because we don’t want them to choke,” she said.

What about heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke.

“We tend to see people get headaches or muscle cramps. Sometimes they get nauseous. Sometimes they might feel a little bit dizzy or weak,” Holinaty said. “Their body temperature is not so high that it’s dangerous.”

The SHA says heat exhaustion occurs when you can’t sweat enough to cool your body. It can develop when you work or exercise in hot weather and don’t drink enough liquids to replace the fluids you lose from sweating a lot. Heat exhaustion can be caused by loss of fluid (dehydration) or loss of electrolytes.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Also, the skin is pale, cool, and moist.

Mild heat exhaustion may sometimes cause fainting but it doesn’t cause a change in your mental alertness and usually can be treated at home.

What other conditions can be cause by hot temperatures?

SHA says that heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat rash (prickly heat) that happens when the sweat ducts to the skin become blocked or swell, causing discomfort and itching.
• Heat cramps, which can occur in muscles during and after exercise because sweating caused the body to lose water, salt, and minerals (electrolytes).
• Heat edema — swelling in the legs and hands that can happen when you sit or stand for a long time in the heat.
• Heat tetany (hyperventilation and heat stress), which is usually caused by short periods of stress in a hot environment.
• Heat syncope (fainting) brought about by low blood pressure when heat causes the blood vessels to expand (dilate). Then body fluids move into the legs because of gravity.

Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Tips to beat the heat

• Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.
• Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
• Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.
• Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.
• Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
• Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.
• When there is an extreme heat event occurring with wildfire smoke, prioritize keeping cool.
• Call HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms and precautions associated with heat.

Read more:

• VIDEO: Tornadoes, severe storms cause damage across northern Sask.
• Waldheim tornado leaves uprooted trees, damaged homes and businesses
• Photos: Saskatchewan storms drop damaging tornadoes