Nothing but scorchers forecast for rest of week

The same weather system that produced a heat wave in Quebec that killed at least 75 people has rebuilt over the prairies as the province plunges into a scorcher of a week.

Temperatures in Regina and Saskatoon are expected to climb into the high 30s. The Queen City is expected to reach 35 C on Thursday and Friday and Saskatoon is expected to hit 36 C on Friday.

Terri Lang, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, said heat warnings across the province are expected to start rolling on Wednesday.

“The whole western part of North America is baking,” she said.

Southern Saskatchewan — specifically around communities like Val Marie and Maple Creek — will be the hot spot — temperatures there are expected to hit the high 30s and possibly climb to 40 C, she added.

The warm weather is due to a jet stream travelling from the Pacific Ocean in the shape of an upsidedown “U” — known as an Omega pattern — with everything south of the system experiencing hot and dry conditions. A special weather statement about the heat was issued for Saskatoon and Regina Tuesday morning.

Lang said once the jet stream is established it can be “very, very persistent.”

However, the climbing mercury likely won’t be enough to break any all-time records.

Regina logged its hottest day on July 5, 1937, when temperatures reached 43.3 C; Saskatoon experienced its hottest day on June 5, 1988, with temperatures of 40.6 C.

The heat arrives as well-known events start in both urban centres.

Thousands of people will take in the 2018 Folk Festival in Regina and huge crowds will be drawn to Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park for the Saskatoon Ex.

The Regina Folk Festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, is preparing for 35 C weather in the first day of performances.

Spokeswoman Amanda Minion said she’s worried the weather could affect ticket sales.

“We do tend to sell a lot of our tickets the week of, and so the weather forecast is really important,” she said. “So rain could be really bad for us this week, and so could this really intense heat.”

Visitors can expect plenty of opportunities to cool down. There will be three water tanks to fill up water bottles, and umbrellas to provide shade. Minion said festival organizers picked up another idea from the Calgary Folk Music Festival, where volunteers walked around spraying overheated visitors with water mist.

First aid tents will be in place to help anyone overcome by the heat.

Minion said they know what to do in case of heat stroke and will have sunscreen on hand.

Minion said her own experience teaches her the importance of planning ahead.

“I would definitely encourage people to bring water bottles and hats and to find patches of shade,” she said. “Think about what you’re ingesting — have some electrolytes and don’t eat anything too heavy. ”

Saskatoon Ex spokeswoman Kristy Rempel said visitors will have access to shaded areas and an air-conditioned indoor trade show to stay cool. She said patrons will have access to water misters at the event’s Ruth Street Stage and Patio.

The rides, which many see as the main attraction, won’t be affected by the heat, but Rempel said it’s important for everyone — guests and performers alike — to take precautions as they visit, like bringing empty water bottles to fill once through the exhibition’s gate.

“As far as our entertainers, just like our guests, we hope that everyone stays hydrated,” she said.