The official start to spring is here, with the May long weekend upon us, and what a nice one it will be.  

Temperatures will be ideal to get out to the lake or campsite and enjoy what’s in store for the long weekend.  

“It’s as advertised,” Environment Canada Meteorologist, Terri Lang. “The temperatures are slowly warming up. We will see the return of the smoke on Saturday into Sunday. We will see a pattern change coming along after Sunday and Monday. The upper ridge that’s been bringing the warmer temperatures is finally breaking down and there is a good chance of rain coming through on Monday into Tuesday.”   

Friday’s high is expected to be 23 C, with Saturday warming up to 27 C, Sunday is expected to get to 28 C, and Monday will be the hottest day at 32 C.  

Temperatures will begin to fall on Tuesday and Wednesday with highs of only 26 C and 27 C expected with some cloud coverage.  

On Friday night, some rain is possible with a risk of a thunderstorm.  

“Chances are pretty low, there’s not much support in the atmosphere and not a lot of moisture. I would be surprised if something came along.” 

Overnight lows throughout the long weekend will range from 9 C to 14 C.  

With it expected to be so hot over the weekend, Lang wanted to remind residents of the risks of heatstroke that could happen if they’re not careful.  

“Be careful of exerting yourself in the heat because heatstroke can set in quickly. Try to avoid the high sun times, which is more towards noon and 1:00 p.m. Seek shade, drink lots of water, seek air-conditioned areas if you can, and the lake is probably still cold, but it will help you cool off.” 

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 take them to a cool, shaded location and get them to rehydrate themselves.   
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.  
  
Please call HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms, and precautions associated with heat.