Drinking lots of water, keeping the sunscreen close and finding shade when available is what Environment Canada is advising, as temperatures are expected to soar in Moose Jaw this weekend into the Labour Day long weekend.  

“An extended period of heat with highs in the low to mid-30s expanding through until the middle of next week and then there will be a switch in the weather pattern,” says Environment Canada Meteorologist, Terri Lang.  

A reprieve from the hot weather with come on Friday, as a cool front will come through Moose Jaw that will bring daytime temperatures down, but will ramp up again on Saturday.  

The heat will begin on Wednesday with an expected high of 34 degrees, with Thursday forecasted to be 33. Following a cooler day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will soar to 34 and 32 degrees.  

With temperatures rising into the low to mid-30s for the next few days, it is possible that Moose Jaw may see some heat records broken.  

“The records are still in the mid to high-30s but I wouldn’t be surprised to see records falling.” 

Looking back on historical records, it is possible that on Saturday a heat record is possible to be broken. The current record is 34.4 degrees set back in 1978, and with the projected forecast being at 33 degrees it is possible.  

On Wednesday, Environment Canada issued a Heat Warning for Moose Jaw and surrounding areas, which is supposed to stay in effect for most of the week into the weekend.  

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.   

Lang did want to bring up the health risks that are associated with very hot temperatures.  

“The heat can be very hard on the body, especially when it’s an extended period of time and the body is not getting much of a chance to recover. Reminding people to stay hydrated is probably the number 1 thing to do. Seek shade when you can, cool off when you can, and find cool spaces when you can.” 

She also reminds people to plan activities around the cooler parts of the day such as the morning or evening times to keep from getting heat stroke.  

The signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature, confusion and lack of coordination, dizziness, fainting, and no sweating, but very hot, red skin.   

Environment Canada does want to advise people to take some time to check on older family, friends, and neighbours, and make sure they are cool and drinking water. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.  

They say if you come across anyone dealing with a heat illness to take them to a cool, shaded location and get them to rehydrate themselves.    

Please call HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms, and precautions associated with heat.