Heat warnings in place for parts of Sask., with hotter temperatures on the way

Saskatchewan is feeling the effects of a blistering heat wave gripping much of Western Canada. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued heat warnings for most of western and northern Saskatchewan on Tuesday. 

Temperatures in areas including Swift Current, the Battlefords, Prince Albert and La Ronge are expected to be hotter than 30 C on Tuesday, according to the national weather agency.

ECCC meteorologist Kyle Ziolkowski said Saskatchewan's first big heat wave of the summer is the result of a ridge of high pressure making its way east.

Ziolkowski said the hottest temperatures are yet to come.

"Today, temperatures are roughly around 30 to 32 C and that will continue to build eastward as the week progresses with kind of the most extreme heat occurring around Thursday and Friday," Ziolkowski said on Tuesday.  "We'll see air temperatures going in and around the 32 and 35 C [range]."

"Humidex values are going to start to climb as well as a result of the heat; humidex values will probably approach 40 by the end of the work week here."

The humidex calculates how hot it feels when the air temperature is combined with humidity. A humidex above 35 is considered to be high for the average healthy adult, according to ECCC. That's when it's generally recommended to tone down outdoor physical activity to prevent heatstroke.

Humidity makes heat especially dangerous at a point called the wet-bulb temperature. Humans cool down by sweating, releasing heat through evaporation. When the air is saturated with moisture, that process doesn't work as well.

The effects of climate change mean more days with high temperatures, and as air warms, it can hold more moisture, making it more humid.

Maximum temperatures on Thursday are expected to get close to 36 C in some areas of Saskatchewan.

Ziolkowski said it's important to take precautions during a heat wave because everyone's health can be impacted by the hot temperatures.

"It's just finding ways to stay cool, stay out of the sun and limiting outdoor activity," Ziolkowski said "Particularly doing any strenuous outdoor activity during midday is definitely something to avoid during the heat wave."

Ziolkowski stressed the importance of keeping your home cool and drinking lots of water as temperatures rise higher than 30 C.