Sask. heat wave breaks 11 weather records

A heat wave that made Saskatchewan the hottest place in Canadaon Thursday afternoon broke records and prompted Environment Canada to issue heat warnings for parts of the province.

A total of 11 daily records for high temperatures were broken Thursday.

According to Environment Canada, Watrous, Sask., was the country's hottest community, with temperatures recorded at 33.7 C around 4 p.m. CST.

When temperatures soared even higher later in the day, Watrous tied with Moose Jaw as the hottest placeinSaskatchewan at 34.6 C.

Temperatures were in the 30 C range across the province, with Regina reaching34.5 C and Saskatoon reaching 32.3 C.

Here's a list of dailyrecords broken on Thursday:

• Assiniboia:33.6 C.Old record: 31.7 C, set in 1948.
• Elbow: 31.9 C. Old record: 31.7 C, set in 1956.
• Meadow Lake:28.6 C. Old record:27.8 C, set in 1932.
• Melfort: 32.6 C. Old record, 32.2 C, set in 1956.
• Moose Jaw: 34.6 C. Old record, 33.3 C, set in 1914.
• Prince Albert: 33 C. Old record, 32.2 C, set in 1948.
• Regina: 34.5 C. Old record, 33.3 C, set in 1948.
• Stony Rapids:30.9 C. Old record: 28.1 C, set in 2007.
• Watrous:34.6C. Old record: 32.2 C,set in 1956.
• Weyburn: 32.9 C. Old record: 30.6 C, set in 1956.
• Wynyard:30.9 C. Old record: 30 C, set in 1972.

Maximum temperatures through Friday will be near 30 C.

A cold front Saturday morning will bring cooler conditions.

Thunderstorm watch, heat warnings issued

Environment Canada placed several communities under a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday. Several warnings remain in place Friday.

• Weather alerts for Saskatchewan

Those warnings cautionthat residents should be prepared for strong wind gusts and hail.

Earlier in the day, a heat warning was issued for the areas of Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain, Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin and Carrot River.

Heat warnings are issued when temperatures are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion are high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting and unconsciousness.

Environment Canada says children, seniors, outdoor workers and those who are socially isolated are particularly vulnerable, as are those with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions.

Environment Canada has these tips for the hot days:

• Reschedule outdoor activities to a cooler part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks from the heat.
• Drink water and stay hydrated.
• Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.