A brief break from stifling heat is settling over Sandy Bay and the Rural Municipality of Alonsa early this week, but residents can expect the temperature to climb again by the weekend. Environment Canada reports that a cold front moved through Manitoba on Monday, bringing winds and a chance of showers while pushing humidex values down to 29.
The relief follows a punishing heat wave from July 10 to 14 that shattered temperature records across southern Manitoba. During that stretch, daytime highs reached the mid-30s and humidex levels made it feel like 45 to 48 degrees in some communities. On July 12, seven Manitoba towns set new daily records, including Gretna at 35.8 C, McCreary at 36.5 C, and Portage la Prairie at 35.7 C.
For southern Manitoba, heat warnings are issued by Environment Canada when two consecutive days bring a daytime high of 32 C, an overnight low of 16 C, or a humidex of 38. Those conditions are expected to return by Saturday, July 25, when the forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 33 C. Earlier in the week, highs are forecast to stay near a seasonal 26 C.
Manitoba Health reminds people to take precautions during extreme heat. During the July heat advisory, officials urged residents to drink plenty of water, check on neighbours who may be vulnerable, and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle. If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, or has hot, dry skin, call 911 immediately as it could signal heat stroke, a medical emergency.
Sandy Bay First Nation, an Ojibway community on the western shore of Lake Manitoba, and the neighbouring Rural Municipality of Alonsa are both located in the area affected by the shifting weather. The latest Environment Canada update for Sandy Bay shows no active alerts as of Monday, but the forecast high of 33 C on Saturday will once again approach heat warning thresholds.
