Flin Flon shatters another pair of heat records during second July heat wave

The Flin Flon area’s second major heat wave in as many weeks hit late last week and last weekend, shattering another two heat records over the weekend and almost breaking a third.

A heat warning was in effect for Flin Flon and several outlying communities for much of last week, wrapping up July 12.

Environment Canada issued a first warning for the area July 8 and updated the warning July 9, saying temperatures of at least 30 degrees Celsius were "expected for the next three days".

"Another hot few days, with highs in the low 30s and lows in the mid to upper teens, are on tap in parts of northern Manitoba. Heat should subside early next week," reads the warning.

In total, all northern Saskatchewan communities and all communities in northeast Manitoba were under heat warnings, including Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Snow Lake, Grass River Provincial Park, Creighton, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Denare Beach, Cumberland House and the entire Hanson Lake Road (Highway 106). The warnings stretched from the provinces' northern borders with Nunavut and the Northwest Territories all the way down to Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain and The Pas.

Weather records were broken in Flin Flon July 9 and 11, with a third one coming close to being set July 10. July 9 saw temperatures rise as high as 34.1 degrees Celsius, higher than the previous record of 32.5 degrees Celsius, while 32.2 degrees Celsius was hit July 11. The previous record for the hottest July 11 in Flin Flon’s history was 30.5 degrees Celsius. Both records were broken by more than a degree and a half.

The outlier is July 10, where the mercury rose to 32.4 degrees Celsius - just below below Flin Flon's all-time record of 32.5 degrees Celsius on that date.

Environment Canada suggests several ways to get through the heat, including planning outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, taking cold showers or baths and taking breaks in the shade, staying out of direct sunlight and wearing loose-fitting, light clothing, drinking plenty of water (especially before feeling thirsty) and keeping homes cool by blocking out the sun, closing curtains, blinds and awnings. Other suggestions including never leaving people or pets in parked vehicles (where temperatures are high and can climb quicker) and checking in on friends and family.

People are also warned to watch for signs of heat stroke or heat illness - namely swelling, fainting, cramps, rashes, worsening of health conditions, headaches, dizziness, hot skin or confusion. Anyone in need of medical help is asked to seek it out immediately.

Meanwhile, a province-wide fire ban is in effect in Saskatchewan, with all fires banned at all provincial parks and recreation sites. Creighton and Denare Beach have also instituted their own local fire bans, banning all fires including in approved fire pits until further notice. Fire bans are also in effect for much of northern Manitoba, including Flin Flon and areas around Flin Flon.

Here’s how temperatures last week in Flin Flon matched up with the hottest temperatures measured on that date: