A heat warning remains in effect across southeastern Manitoba as temperatures climb into the 30s and residents look for ways to stay cool through what is expected to be a prolonged stretch of hot weather.
Environment Canada is calling for a mix of sun and cloud Friday with a high of 33 and a humidex of 35. The UV index is 8, or very high. Overnight temperatures are only expected to fall to 20, with highs near 30 continuing through the weekend and into next week.
Farmers watching animals closely
For many in the region, the hot weather is a welcome sign of summer, though it also brings challenges.
Veronique Daoust says prolonged heat can be extra tough to deal with.
“We do have a farm, so it’s a little hard on the animals,” Daoust says. “So I wish it was a three-day heat wave [rather than] the whole week.”
Daoust says they take extra steps to keep livestock as comfortable as possible.
“Make sure they got lots of shade and stuff like that,” she explains. “[And] keep an eye on them.”
She says cattle tend to struggle the most during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
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Families searching for ways to cool off
Staying cool has also become a priority for families trying to keep children active outdoors. Splash parks have been especially busy this week as residents search for relief from the heat.
One mother at a local splash park joked her backyard sprinkler was no longer enough.
“It’s really helpful because my little sprinkler wasn’t cutting it,” she said.
Another local family is relying on water play at home to stay comfortable. Chelsea Moroz says her five-year-old dog Beau and her young daughter Ella enjoy cooling off together.
“One of their favorite things to do is splash around in their little kiddie pool,” Moroz says. “She hangs out in there and he goes and splashes and she just laughs like crazy.”
Heat expected to continue
Health officials recommend people drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. Pet owners are also encouraged to make sure animals have access to shade and fresh water at all times.
Forecasters say temperatures around 30 degrees are expected to continue through the weekend, with the heat likely lingering into next week.
