Flin Flon and the surrounding area is under a heat warning, along with much of western Canada. A heat wave is expected to hit the area this week, with highs of 35 degrees Celsius expected.
“Little to no reprieve from the heat is expected, as overnight lows will remain in the mid to upper teens,” reads the official heat warning issued by Environment Canada June 28.
“The heat wave will persist through the end of this week at least. Extreme heat affects everyone.”
Heat warnings are in effect for the areas of Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Creighton, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Cumberland House, The Pas, Sherridon, Clearwater Lake and cabin areas along Manitoba Highway 10 and Saskatchewan Highway 106.
Warnings are in effect for much of western Canada, including most of mainland B.C. and Vancouver Island, all of Alberta and central regions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The heatwave is so intense that a new record for the highest temperature ever reported on Canadian soil was set, with Lytton, B.C. reporting a scorching 47.5 degrees Celsius June 28. The heat found in Lytton broke a record set in Yellow Grass, Sask. back in 1937, smashing the record by almost three full degrees.
“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,” reads the Environment Canada notice.
Weather for the next week in the Flin Flon area is expected to top 30 degrees Celsius every day, with little precipitation in the forecast.
Along with the higher temperatures comes a higher risk of heat stroke and heat-related illness - swelling, cramps, developing rashes, fainting or losing consciousness, heat exhaustion or worsening of particular health conditions. Risks of heat illness can be higher for young children, older adults and seniors, people who work or exercise outdoors, pregnant people and people with chronic health conditions.
“Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you feel dizzy or disoriented seek medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. If someone has a high temperature and is unconscious or confused or has stopped sweating. Cool the person right away,” reads the warning.
