A heat warning for Peguis First Nation and Fisher River ended Monday morning, July 20, after a weekend of extreme temperatures that pushed humidex values to 38. Environment Canada had issued the yellow-level alert on Sunday, July 19, as a prolonged heat wave swept across Manitoba.
Much of southern Manitoba had been baking under an orange-level warning since July 10, with actual temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s and humidex reaching the mid-40s. In central and northern areas, including the Interlake region where Peguis is located, the yellow warning meant daytime highs in the mid-30s with humidex in the low 40s. The heat was expected to last overnight Sunday before a cold front moved in.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care had issued a province-wide heat advisory, urging residents to drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbours. Heat-related illness can be serious, with heat stroke symptoms including headache, red, hot and dry skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, rapid weak pulse, and loss of consciousness. However, taking the right precautions can prevent it.
Peguis First Nation, the largest First Nation community in Manitoba with about 10,246 members, is especially sensitive to extreme weather. The community’s location along the Fisher River and challenges with housing infrastructure mean heat, flooding, and wildfires hit harder. A Climate Vulnerability Assessment has identified these risks, and the community has an Emergency Operations Centre ready to respond.
As the cold front passes through, temperatures are dropping back to seasonal norms for the rest of the week, bringing an end to the most intense heat.
