Fire danger, temperatures soar to extreme levels on the Prairies
An amplified ridge across the Prairies is set to bring temperatures to the high 20s and low 30s for the remainder of May. But this spells danger for the wildfire situation across the region.
May is set to end on the Prairies in a blaze of summer heat, which, when paired with an unseasonable lack of precipitation, will raise the fire danger rating to extreme levels across the three provinces.
A May heatwave in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario already brought Canada's wildfire season to a roaring start, bringing ripe conditions for deadly wildfires to start. Luckily, a burst of cool air was able to lend a hand in the fight to control the fires, but now we're looking at yet another wave of heat to sit over the Prairie provinces as we close out the month.
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Below-average precipitation over the last 60 days has made conditions ripe for wildfires, and an amplified ridge of high pressure in the atmosphere will serve to keep any significant rain away for the remainder of the month.
Subsequently, the fire danger rating across the Prairies now ranges from high to extreme levels.
Swan Hills, Alta., was issued an evacuation alert, warning the town's approximately 1,300 residents to be prepared to leave with just a few hours notice on Monday afternoon due to an out of control wildfire that is burning only eight kilometres north of the town.
Lightning risk, winds raise additional concerns
A cold front associated with a northern low will sweep across the region on Tuesday, bringing a risk for lightning in Saskatchewan.
Similarly, a weak system over Wisconsin will nudge its way into southern Manitoba on Tuesday, also raising the risk for lightning in areas already battling wildfires.
On the western side of the ridge, over Alberta and Saskatchewan, winds will begin to pick up throughout Tuesday, gusting to 30-50 km/h. This will not only fuel the flames that have already been started but will also rapidly fuel any new sparks that ignite from lightning or humans.
The only silver lining from this atmospheric ridge will be that it may provide some relief for those who have been caught in the path of all the wildfire smoke.
SEE ALSO: Satellites capture thick smoke pouring out of Canadian blazes
Parts of southern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario have been struggling with deteriorated air quality due to the smoke from nearby wildfires, but a shift in winds from the ridge should push the smoke out of highly populated areas for a couple of days.
Elders, children, and those with respiratory issues such as asthma are more vulnerable to the deteriorated air quality associated with wildfire smoke, so be sure to check in on any neighbours or loved ones who may be at risk. Similarly, extreme heat is also a major health risk, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and limit time doing extraneous activity outdoors.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across the Prairies.
