Hot temperatures, powerful winds: Big weekend weather concerns on the Prairies
Wildfire risk intensifies across the Prairies as weather conditions shift
Significant wildfires continue to impact much of the Prairies, with upcoming weather conditions expected to play a pivotal role in fire management efforts in the days ahead.
DON'T MISS: Get the latest wildfire news and safety tips to help you stay safe
Manitoba has declared a provincewide state of emergency as wildfires intensify. Roughly 17,000 residents will evacuate from northern and eastern regions.
In Saskatchewan, premier Scott Moe declared a provincial state of emergency on Thursday, as wildfires burning across northern areas of the province have forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.
RELATED: First Nations plead for help as wildfires devastate northern Sask.
Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds have fueled a wildfire threat in northern Alberta, forcing hundreds of residents to leave their homes earlier this week. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Chipewyan Lake.
High heat and dry conditions spell trouble for the weekend
Hot temperatures are expected to persist in Saskatchewan and Manitoba on Thursday after heat warnings covered parts of Alberta on Wednesday and Thursday.
Winds and lightning could fuel the wildfire growth
By Friday, as the trough shifts east, isolated thunderstorms are forecast for eastern Saskatchewan. While rainfall will once again be minimal, lightning strikes remain a risk, albeit fewer in number.
DON'T MISS: The Weather Network's wildfire hub
Wind gusts are expected to strengthen along the trough, potentially fueling wildfire growth in the coming days.
Northwest wind gusts of 40-60 km/h are forecast along the trough, which could contribute to further wildfire spread in central Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Cooler temperatures will begin arriving in Alberta on Friday, with a more noticeable cooldown for the eastern Prairies expected late in the weekend and into Monday.
However, the combination of limited rainfall, elevated temperatures, and increasing winds means the fire danger rating will stay high to extreme throughout the weekend.
SEE ALSO: Satellites capture thick smoke pouring out of Canadian blazes
Widespread wildfire smoke is also likely to increase, affecting the Prairies and other areas of Canada as upper-level winds distribute the smoke. Residents are advised to monitor air quality conditions closely, and take necessary precautions as needed.
Start of June offers more help with wildfire concerns
The weather for the first week of June features less heat and more rain than we initially expected.
This will include some much needed rain from the central Rockies, across central and northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and into adjacent parts of the Northwest Territories. A wetter pattern is also expected across parts of southern Manitoba as we turn the page on the new month.
WATCH BELOW: Poor drought outlook in southern Alberta has some taking action
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across the Prairies.