Temperatures could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius this weekend with the humidity and Environment Canada has issued a heat warning. 

Daytime highs for the city of Winnipeg and all of southern Manitoba will be between 30 and 35 degrees and overnight lows of 16 degrees and warmer are expected over the next few days.

Through the weekend, the humidity will also be a concern over eastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba, where humidex values are forecast to approach 40.

According to Environment Canada, the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

To help keep people safe, they recommend that people drink plenty of water even before they feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water.

A way to reduce people's risk of heat illnesses, they recommend scheduling outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day and to never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Extreme heat affects everyone. Heat illnesses are preventable.

To reduce the health effects of heat:

- Plan outdoor activities during cooler times of the day and take into account the COVID-19 restrictions.
- Take a cool shower or bath or take a break in a cool location, such as an air-conditioned building or a tree-shaded area.
- Stay out of direct sunlight and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or shade yourself with an umbrella.
- Drink plenty of water, before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. If you must go out, take water with you.
- Keep your house cool. Block the sun out by closing curtains, blinds, and awnings during the day
- Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
- Check on family, friends and neighbours. Check regularly on people living alone, especially older individuals or people with health conditions. Make sure they are cool and drinking water.
- Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, and the worsening of some health conditions.
- Watch for signs of heat stroke (which may begin with headache, hot skin, dizziness or confusion) and take action immediately.

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