Dangerous Prairie heat surges back with temperatures nearing 40
Parts of the Prairies could hit their hottest temperatures of 2026
The Prairies are about to crank the heat back up.
A powerful upper-level ridge is forming across Western Canada, bringing another round of severe summer heat to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba throughout the weekend.
Heat warnings are already in effect for parts of Alberta and northern Ontario, with more alerts expected as temperatures rise.
Some communities may also face their hottest day of the year, adding another chapter to an already exceptionally scorching July.
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The hottest weather is still to come
The heat will peak on Saturday in Alberta and Saskatchewan, with temperatures in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw and Regina forecast to reach the mid- to high-30s.
Further north, Calgary, Red Deer and Saskatoon will not be spared, with highs in the low 30s.
Humidity will make it feel much hotter in southern Saskatchewan, where temperatures may feel close to 40. By Sunday, the warmest air will move into southern Manitoba, bringing similar heat and humidity to Winnipeg and Brandon.
Wildfire smoke may also be in the forecast at times, with high and near-surface smoke likely in regions of southern and central Alberta, as well as Saskatchewan.
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A sharp cooldown follows
The heat will not outstay its welcome.
A low-pressure system is predicted to rush across the Prairies on Sunday, causing a significant change in air mass across Alberta and Saskatchewan before reaching Manitoba on Monday.
Daytime highs are expected to drop by about 10 degrees, providing welcome cooling relief after another stretch of severe heat.
The latest heat wave follows an already sweltering July. Through July 29, temperatures were 2.9°C above average in Calgary, 2.4°C above normal in Regina and Winnipeg, and 2.0°C above normal in Saskatoon.
If estimates are correct, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Regina and Moose Jaw may all exceed their 2026 highs.
Stay with The Weather Network for the latest across the Prairies