A scorching heat wave sweeps across western Canada on Tuesday, bringing record temperatures and the threat of wildfires in Saskatchewan.
Jennifer Smith, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, says a ridge of high pressure from northern California moved into British Columbia over the weekend before moving into the Northwest Territories and Alberta on Monday.
She says the heat will move into Manitoba by Wednesday and could reach the northwestern Ontario border before moving south again and into the United States.
According to Mme Smith says four factors are driving wildfires: hot, dry conditions, wind and lightning without rain, which is already forecast for parts of British Columbia.
Another heat wave has sent temperatures soaring to 30°C in the Atlantic provinces.
Dozens of heat warnings or alerts have been issued as far away as Saskatchewan, prompting Health Canada to warn of the risks that extreme heat can bring.
Health Canada’s Peter Berry stresses that heatstroke is a “medical emergency” that can lead to long-term health problems or even death, and that people need to stay informed about local forecasts, while ensuring vulnerable populations are protected.
“If you are confronted with someone who is partially or totally unconscious, confused, has a high body temperature or has stopped sweating, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number,” said the public health and climate change expert.
While waiting for help to arrive, you should try to cool the person down using cold water and fanning them.