Warnings issued as Manitoba sizzles in early May heat wave
Winnipeg could soon grow hotter than they’ve ever been this early in May. Heat warnings are in effect
Heat warnings are still in effect on the eastern Prairies as temperatures in southern and central Manitoba soar into the 30s. The province even broke a record for the earliest date on record where temperatures have soared this high in Canada.
A formidable ridge on the Prairies will keep the heat cranking through the rest of the week, adding to the tally of communities joining the 30-degree club across Canada this year.
Residents are reminded to stay hydrated in times of extreme heat. (Chris D./provided)
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The area of the heat warning has continued to grow in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. These summer-like temperatures could threaten the health and safety of folks throughout the region, particularly those who are susceptible to hot temperatures.
“Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others,” Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) advised in its heat warning.
Limit time outdoors and make sure you stay hydrated. Those looking for relief at night won't get much help—overnight lows will remain in the upper teens or even low 20s.
CANADA'S WILDFIRES: Visit The Weather Network's wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the active start to wildfire season across Canada.
The City of Winnipeg has civic facilities available to residents so they can access clean drinking water, and cool off during regular operating hours, as high temperatures are forecasted over the next few days.
Updated heat warnings as things continue to sizzle
An incredibly mild southwest flow is pushing across Manitoba and northwest Ontario. The heat is expected to persist for several more days within the low-to-mid 30s.
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Heat waves are unusual by their nature, but sometimes they’re downright unprecedented. Which is this? The timing of this heat wave tips the event toward the unprecedented side of the spectrum.
Weather data at the Winnipeg Airport goes back to 1938, and this will be easily the earliest stretch of consecutive days above 33°C on record.
Winnipeg also recorded its third earliest time reaching 35 degrees, the only other times Winnipeg saw 35 degrees this early in May were May 5th, 2016, followed by May 8th, 1874.
The earliest occurrence of 36 degrees on record happened most recently on May 21, 1980. It’s unlikely, however, that the city will beat its all-time record for the hottest May temperature, which stands at 37.8°C on May 30, 1934.
The only comparable heat wave in the month of May occurred on May 21–22, 1980, when temperatures reached 36.5°C and 37.0°C, respectively. This building heat event will stand on its own more than a week-and-a-half earlier than that event 45 years ago.
Keep in mind that the average high this time of year is in the mid-to-upper teens.
Warm overnight temperatures
Even more remarkably, warm overnight temperatures are anticipated throughout the heat event––with overnight temperatures set to be 20°C for places like Winnipeg.
Winnipeg’s warmest overnight low recorded during the month of May was a balmy 22.5°C reading on May 31, 1988—and we might hit that threshold 2.5 weeks earlier!
A minimum temperature above 20 degrees has never been recorded during the first half of May in the history of the Winnipeg airport station.
Meanwhile, some much-needed rain is coming to the Prairies this week. Some areas will miss out while others will see excessive amounts, but overall, that is very good news for agriculture and for the wildfire danger.
A low will develop over the Dakotas and track into southern Manitoba on Thursday with widespread rain, locally heavy, and thunderstorms.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on this heat event across Manitoba.