Heat warning issued for southern Manitoba starting Thursday, Environment Canada says

People living acrosssouthern Manitoba including the cities of Winnipeg and Brandoncan expect a wave of "extreme heat" this Thursday and Friday with the humidex making it feel like 38 C or higher, Environment Canada says.

Daytime highs around 30 C are forecast for communities in the south with overnight lows of 16 C over the next two days, Environment Canada said in heat alerts issued Wednesday.

The weather agency said a slow-moving ridge of high pressure is responsible for the extreme heat in Manitoba that will affect areas such as Brandon, Killarney, Selkirk, Gimli, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Carman, Morden, Winkler, Steinbach, Victoria Beach, Lac du Bonnet, Fisher River and Ste. Rose.

Heat warnings continue in the Virden, Souris, Boissevain, Dauphin, Riding Mountain National Park, Swan River and Duck Mountain areas.

Regions in western Manitoba can expect a heat wave on Thursday with daytime highs in the low-30 C rangeand humidex values in the 40s, Environment Canada said.

Beginning Friday, milder air is expected to sweep into the province from the west, the agency added.

Environment Canada suggests people stay out of the sun and heat during peak hours of the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty,to decrease your 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 in its warning.