Heat warning issued for much of southern Manitoba this weekend

Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast for much of southern Manitoba this weekend.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning just after 6 p.m. AT Friday for an area that includes Winnipeg, the Pembina Valley, the Interlake region and southeastern Manitoba.

The weather agency says a humid air masswill moveinto the province from Montana early Saturday, bringing humid conditions that will continue until a cold front tracks across the areaSunday evening.

Environment Canada says humidex values reaching 38 are expected over the next two days.

The daytime high in Winnipeg is forecast to be 30 C on Saturday and 31 C on Sunday.

The warning covers the following areas in Manitoba:

• City of Winnipeg.
• Killarney, Pilot Mound and Manitou.
• Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall and Woodlands.
• Portage la Prairie, Headingley, Brunkild and Carman.
• Morden, Winkler, Altona and Morris.
• Dugald, Beausejour and Grand Beach.
• Steinbach, St. Adolphe, Emerson, Vita and Richer.
• Bissett, Victoria Beach, Pine Falls and Nopiming Provincial Park.
• Whiteshell, Lac du Bonnet and Pinawa.
• Sprague and the Northwest Angle Provincial Forest.

A heat warning has also been issued for Saturday and Sunday in northwestern Ontario, from the Manitoba border to Sioux Lookout and including Dryden, Fort Frances, Rainy River, Pikangikum, Sioux Narrows and Woodland Caribou Park.

Humidex values will range from 34 to 37 in that area, according to the weather agency.

Environment Canada suggests people stay out of the sun and heat during peak hours of the day and drink plenty of water regularly even before they feel thirsty to decrease the risk of dehydration.

Extreme heat can affect anyone's health, but the risks are greater for older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses and those with disabilities or mobility issues, Environment Canada said.

Effects of heat illness can include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of heat illness should immediately move to a cooler environment, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space, splash pad or misting station, the weather agency said.

Environment Canada urges people not toleave anyone inside a parked vehicle, particularly children and pets.