Dauphin residents are getting a short break from sticky conditions after a weekend heat warning, but Environment Canada forecasts show temperatures will climb again by the end of the week. A cold front moving through on Monday night and Tuesday will bring temporary relief, but humidex values are expected to creep back toward uncomfortable levels by Saturday.
The Environment Canada yellow heat warning for Dauphin and the surrounding Rural Municipality of Dauphin was issued Saturday morning, warning of humidex values reaching 38. By Monday morning, the alert had been lifted as clouds moved in and the humidex dropped to 27 with a temperature of 22°C at the Dauphin Airport.
The 7-day outlook shows a gradual warm-up: 25°C Monday, 26°C Tuesday, 28°C Wednesday, 30°C Thursday, 31°C Friday, and 33°C by Saturday. Those rising temperatures mean humidex readings could once again approach heat-warning criteria, which in southern Manitoba kick in when two consecutive days bring highs above 32°C and overnight lows above 16°C, or when humidex values top 38.
This summer has already delivered record-breaking heat to the region. In May, Dauphin hit 37°C, smashing a 107-year-old record and making it the provincial hot spot during a province-wide heat wave. Less than half of Prairie residents (43 percent) have air conditioning at home, compared to 61 percent nationally, heightening the risk when temperatures soar. Heat waves have caused more than 2,000 deaths in Canada since 1900, and health officials urge everyone to drink plenty of water, check on older neighbours, and never leave people or pets in parked vehicles.
A cold front is expected to pass through the area Monday night into Tuesday, bringing a brief dip in temperatures. But by the weekend, the heat will be back, and residents are advised to plan ahead for another round of sticky weather.
