Province urges Northern Manitobans to protect themselves amid heat warning

Northern Manitobans are being warned to take precautions with parts of the province now experiencing a bout of extreme heat.

The province is urging the public to protect themselves against heat-related illness as communities like Brochet, Tadoule Lake, Gillam, Island Lake, Shamattawa, Churchill and York all experience daytime temperatures of 29 C or higher.

An Environment Canada heat warning was in effect for parts of the north Wednesday afternoon. The federal agency expects daytime highs in the upper 20sto low 30s C, along with overnight lows in the teens through mid-week.

"Extreme heat can affect everyone's health," the warning said. "The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues."

Warnings are in effect for:

• Churchill.
• Gillam.
• Island Lake.
• Oxford House and Gods Lake.
• Red Sucker Lake.
• Shamattawa.
• Tadoule Lake.
• York.

The province said in a release Wednesday people should make sure they're drinking plenty of liquids, plan outdoor activities for the cooler times of the day, take showers or baths, and never leave their children or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

"Heat waves may coincide with wildfires and poor air quality," the province said. "For most people, heat exposure is more dangerous than smoke. If planning to stay indoors during those conditions, it may be safer to keep windows open to stay cool."

A cold front Wednesday night into morning will bring daytime temperatures back to seasonal levels Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada said.