Manitoba Scorches: Another Day, Another Wave of Record-Breaking Heat

Manitoba is currently in the grip of a historic heatwave, with Friday, July 26, becoming yet another chapter in the province's scorching summer saga. Residents woke up to the news that a widespread swath of communities, from the bustling capital to tranquil rural towns, had once again seen their mercury climb to unprecedented levels, shattering decades-old temperature records.

This follows hot on the heels of similar record-breaking conditions just the day before, painting a clear picture of a persistent and intense heat dome hovering over the region.

The oppressive heat has prompted Environment and Climate Change Canada to maintain broad heat warnings, urging Manitobans to take extreme precautions.

The numbers speak for themselves. On Friday, July 26, numerous locations across Manitoba didn't just break records – they redefined them:

• Winnipeg: The provincial capital soared to a blistering 36.4 C, eclipsing the previous record of 34.4 C set way back in 1955.
• Brandon: Western Manitoba's hub reached an intense 36.6 C, surpassing its 1955 record of 34.3 C.
• Dauphin: This Parkland region city recorded a scorching 36.3 C, leaving its 1935 record of 34.6 C in the dust.
• Gillam: Even northern Manitoba felt the heat, hitting 31.4 C, topping the 2005 record of 30.5 C.
• Killarney: This southern Manitoba town reached 35.1 C, exceeding its 1955 record of 33.3 C.
• Melita: The southwestern community baked at 35.8 C, breaking the 1955 record of 35.0 C.
• Morden: Another southern Manitoba town felt the heat at 35.1 C, surpassing its 1955 record of 34.4 C.
• Portage la Prairie: The Central Plains city hit 35.2 C, breaking the 1955 record of 34.4 C.
• Pilot Mound: This southern community experienced 35.5 C, exceeding the 1955 record of 34.4 C.
• Shoal Lake: In the west, temperatures reached 35.0 C, besting the 1955 record of 33.9 C.
• Steinbach: Southeastern Manitoba’s largest city recorded 35.2 C, topping the 1955 record of 34.4 C.
• Swan River: The northern valley town reached 35.0 C, breaking its 1955 record of 33.9 C.
• Wasagaming: Near Riding Mountain National Park, temperatures climbed to 34.5 C, surpassing the 1955 record of 33.3 C.

These staggering figures underscore the severity of the current conditions, turning daily routines into challenging endeavors.

Emergency services and public health officials are reiterating crucial advice to ensure public safety.

Residents are strongly advised to:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
• Limit Outdoor Activity: Schedule strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

  Seek shade whenever possible.

• Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Pay special attention to infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
• Never Leave Anyone or Anything in a Parked Vehicle: Temperatures inside a car can rise to deadly levels within minutes, even with windows slightly open.

  This applies to people and pets.

• Seek Cool Environments: Utilize air-conditioned public spaces like malls, libraries, or designated cooling centers if your home is too hot.

As the intense heat warnings are expected to persist for parts of Manitoba, the province remains on high alert.

This prolonged period of exceptional heat serves as a potent reminder of the escalating challenges posed by extreme weather events and the critical importance of preparedness and community vigilance.