Latest news with #heatwarnings
Globe and Mail
02-08-2025
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
Heat warnings, air-quality alerts abound for long weekend as destructive wildfire season continues
Harsh temperatures and heavy smoke have triggered heat warnings and air-quality alerts for large swaths of the country this weekend, as hundreds of wildfires remain uncontained in Western and Central Canada. Higher-risk conditions are anticipated in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, prompting special bulletins from Environment and Climate Change Canada for dozens of cities and towns. Meteorologists expect dryness, heat and lower precipitation to create ripe weather conditions for intense fire behaviour. During a time of the year usually marked by busy campsites, open-air sports and summer festivals, many Canadians are cautiously rethinking their plans. Several events have been cancelled or postponed, while some provincial governments have restricted lakeside campfires and are not issuing burn permits for residents. Throughout the August long weekend, people in affected areas are being advised to reschedule outdoor activities, limit exposure to the sun by taking frequent breaks, and to drink plenty of water to prevent heat strokes and exhaustion. How wildfire smoke and poor air quality can affect your health, and how to protect yourself More than 700 active wildfires are burning across the country, at least 225 of which are deemed out of control. Canada has been experiencing some of the most destructive wildfires in recent decades this summer, with the conflagrations scorching more than 6.3 million hectares of land so far. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre noted this week that 2025 is on track to be the second-worst season in history, falling just behind the record-setting intensity of 2023. Mike Flannigan, a wildfire scientist in Kamloops, B.C., who has been tracking weather patterns since the 1970s, said the severity of this season may not be palpable for Canadians who have not had to encounter persistent smoke. But, he said, including this season so far, roughly seven per cent of the country's forests have burned over the past three years. 'It's been a really horrific year,' said the professor at Thompson Rivers University, calling the data 'mind-boggling.' Manitoba and Saskatchewan have borne the brunt of this year's aggressive and earlier start to the wildfire season, with forecasts this weekend suggesting little to no rainfall in both provinces, along with hot, dry and windy conditions. On Friday, Saskatchewan crews faced at least 71 fires, with around 3,500 people evacuated from nearly a dozen communities. That includes roughly 500 residents from Clearwater River Dene Nation, about 600 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. They've been ordered to flee this week, just as hundreds of others are returning back to areas now deemed safe. Officials in Manitoba, who declared two separate provincewide state of emergencies this summer, are battling more than 125 significant wildfires. At least 13,200 people in the province continue to be out of their homes, and have spent nearly a month in shelters and lodgings. Some 300 more residents were added to that list this week from the northern community of Cormorant, close to The Pas. While the situation in 2025 has been much better in Alberta than 2024, when wind-whipped wildfires destroyed at least one-third of the area surrounding Jasper National Park, officials in that province are also entering this weekend with concerns. The Alberta Wildfire Service said hot weather from Friday to Monday is expected to drive up the danger for conflagrations in most of the province – the only parts not under risk are the southern Alberta region, which has received recent rainfall, and the cooler Rocky Mountains. Alberta is contending with at least 50 wildfires, and has warned campers to protect themselves by minimizing campfires. Shawna Giffin and her family, who live in Edmonton, are used to spending summers in different parts of the province, including near Chipewyan Lake. But as a nearly 137,000-hectare fire has been burning around Chipewyan since May, they have adjusted their plans. 'We're keeping things flexible this year, a lot more than ever before,' she said. In B.C., where rain is forecasted this weekend, recent lightning has been a cause for alarm. Lightning is particularly concerning because strikes can often ignite fires a few days after they've hit an area, Dr. Flannigan explained. The BC Wildfire Service said roughly 13,167 lightning strikes were recorded across the province on Wednesday, with 14 of those sparking wildfires detected by the agency on Thursday and more expected in the days ahead. Victoria residents Brenda and Peter Brophy said they were intent on beating the long weekend rush of traffic, so they left their home after work on Thursday, packing up their van to head toward a campground at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. But when they approached the park from the highway, they saw a giant plume of smoke from the nearby wildfire close to Cameron Lake. 'We stopped, we opened up our phones, and looked at the news,' Ms. Brophy said Friday. The campsite was just outside the area under evacuation orders, so the couple and their Schipperke dogs, Lucy and Moks, stayed put without unpacking their hammock, awning or fire pit. 'You could really smell the smoke,' Ms. Brophy said. 'And then, we heard choppers all night.' There are at least 130 active wildfires in B.C. Although residents that were rushed out of their homes earlier this week because of a wildfire near Peachland in the province's Okanagan region have since been allowed to return, homes on the north side of Cameron Lake, about 60 kilometres from the city of Nanaimo, have been ordered to evacuate. At the campsite where the Brophys are staying, roughly half of the people who had reserved spots have now cancelled their plans. The couple says they will stay there as long as they can, but they are trying their best to refrain from cracking open a bottle of wine in case they are ordered to leave on short notice.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dangerous heat conditions continue across Florida. When will we see cooler temps?
Dangerous conditions continue across Florida Tuesday, July 29, with most of the state under either extreme heat warnings or heat advisories. The notable exception continues to be South Florida, where temps are expected to reach the 90s but stay below the threshold for heat watches and warnings. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The heat index in several areas is expected to reach as high as 115 on July 29. ➤ See when heat watches and warnings could be issued in your area Here's what you should know about the extreme heat warnings and watches in effect and what they mean. Tampa, Florida, ties record heat index, hitting 118 degrees On Monday, July 28, Tampa's heat index hit 118, tying the record of 118 set on Aug. 6, 2000, according to Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. Heat warnings, watches, advisories in effect across Florida Quick look at conditions around Florida Tuesday, July 29 Pensacola, western Panhandle: Another hot and humid day is in store for the area. High temps will warm into the upper 90s, with heat indices topping out between 108-112 degrees. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: Dangerous heat continues the next few days from noon to early evening. Highs from 96 to 100, with heat indices between 106 and 112. Jacksonville, North, Northeast Florida: Dangerous heat continues today. Heat indices will soar to 108-115 degrees this afternoon. Extreme heat warnings and heat advisories are in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Daytona Beach to Stuart, central and eastern Florida: An extreme heat warning and heat advisory are in effect from noon until 7 p.m. today for east Central Florida. The extreme heat warning covers areas from Greater Orlando northward. Dangerous heat is expected. South Florida: Afternoon heat index values over 100 degrees will continue this week across South Florida. High temperatures in the 90s. Southwest, western Florida: An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Nature Coast and Tampa Bay area counties, and a heat advisory has been issued southern portions of West Central Florida from noon to 7 p.m. How long will Florida heat last? When will it get cooler? "That's the question everyone wants the answer to," Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay said in a telephone interview Tuesday morning. The higher-than-average temperatures are "going to last for a good part of the work week," said Matt Volkmer, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Melbourne in a phone interview Tuesday morning. "It's going to be pretty hot this week and we expect more heat advisories, especially for the interior." There may be some relief in sight for the weekend or early next week. Note the word "some." Models are showing temperatures could drop closer to average due to the cooling effects of storms and cloud cover, Volkmer said. With temperatures Tuesday expected to be in the upper 90s to 100 — which is well above normal highs — in the Orlando area, by the weekend temperatures could be in the lower 90s, which is about normal for the area in early August. Along Florida's west coast, Tuesday "should be last day of extreme heat, with temps in upper 90s and a heat index of 110 and above. Starting Wednesday, it will cool down slightly, more into the mid to low 90s instead of the upper 90s, with a heat index of Florida normal, about 105," Shiveley said. By Sunday or Monday, "we may finally get closer to average, with a chance for rain, although the chances for rain on the west coast" are lower than along the east coast and Central Florida, Shiveley said. Extreme heat warnings issued for 28 Florida counties Heat warnings are in effect until 7 p.m. for the following counties: Alachua Baker Bradford Citrus Clay Columbia Duval Flagler Gilchrist Hamilton Hernando Hillsborough Lake Levy Marion Nassau Orange Osceola Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam St. Johns Seminole Sumter Suwannee Union Volusia What is an extreme heat warning? An extreme heat warning is issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen. Residents are advised to take action. "An extreme heat warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring," the National Weather Service said. When is an extreme heat warning issued in Florida? There are slight differences around the state on when extreme heat warnings are issued: Western Panhandle: This is issued if the heat index is expected to reach 113 degrees or higher over the next 12 to 24 hours or the air temperature is expected to hit 105 degrees. Central Panhandle, North Florida: This is issued is the heat index is expected to reach 113 degrees or the air temperatures is forecast to reach 105 degrees within the next 6 to 24 hours. Northeast Florida: This is issued if the heat index is expected to be 113 degrees within the next 12 to 24 hours. East Central Florida: This is issued if a heat index of 113 degrees is expected in the next 24 hours. In South Florida: This is issued if there is certainty the heat index will hit 113 degrees for two hours or longer. Southwest, West Central Florida: This is issued if the heat index is expected to reach 113 degrees or the air temperature is forecast to reach 105 degrees within the next 24 hours. What should you do when there is an extreme heat warning? "Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade," the National Weather Service said. "Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors," especially children, the elderly and pets. Heat advisory issued for 30 Florida counties A heat advisory is in effect for the following counties: Bay Brevard Calhoun DeSoto Dixie Escambia Franklin Gadsden Gulf Hardee Highlands Holmes Indian River County Jackson Jefferson Lafayette Leon Liberty Madison Manatee Martin Okaloosa Okeechobee St. Lucie Santa Rosa Sarasota Taylor Wakulla Walton Washington What is a heat advisory? A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service. When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida. For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees. Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be: Western Panhandle: 108-112 degrees Central Panhandle, North Florida: 108 to 112 within the next 6 to 24 hours or air temperature is forecast to reach 103 degrees Northeast Florida: 108-112 degrees East Central Florida: 108 to 112 degrees In South Florida: 108 degrees in South Florida or 105 degrees for Miami/Dade and Broward counties Southwest, West Central Florida: 108-112 or the air temp is greater or equal to 103 degrees The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population. What should you do when there is a heat advisory? "Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day," the National Weather Service said. "If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening." Tampa, Florida, sets record high temperature of 100 degrees On July 27, Tampa set an all-time record high temperature of 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. The prior record was 99, set on June 26, 2020. The National Weather Service Tampa Bay explained why it's unusual for the area to get temperatures as high as 100. "Why has Tampa never hit 100? The airport sits on the edge of Tampa Bay. The sea breeze is usually able to move in and cool things down before temps can quite get that hot. A combo of multiple hot, dry days and a strong NE wind kept that from happening today (July 27), breaking the record," the agency posted on X. Records date back to April 1, 1890. Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida National Hurricane Center tracking 4 tropical waves All is quiet in the tropics, with no development expected over the next seven days. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four tropical waves, including three in the Caribbean. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Extreme heat warnings issued in Florida as heat index soars to 115 Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Air quality, heat warnings and special weather statements across Canada
Watch Meteorologist Jess Smith has a look at the weather forecast across Canada including air quality and heat warnings.
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Intense heatwave shifts into cooler, windy conditions
The sun peaks through the clouds on a windy Thurs., July 17, 2025, in Barrie, Ont. The sweltering multi-day heatwave that gripped the region has eased, and a cooler, much breezier air mass has taken its place. Over the past week, Barrie has seen stifling heat with humidex readings soaring into the 40s, triggering heat warnings and raising health concerns. Environment Canada had predicted relief was on the way by Thursday, and that shift is well underway. Thursday brought a dramatic change with cloudy skies, strong west-northwest winds reaching 30 kilometres per hour, and daytime highs topping around the low-to-mid 20s - a substantial drop compared to the 30C+ heat from earlier in the week. Winds gusts will pick up to around 60 km/h in some areas, adding a chill in the air and making the temperatures feel even cooler. Overnight lows are expected to dip to around 10C, a sharp contrast to the warm, muggy nights we've been experiencing. Environment Canada expects the cooler temperatures to remain through the weekend and into the start of next week. The weekend calls for some potentially unsettled weather, including a chance of showers or storms Saturday, but temperatures are expected to remain within the seasonal range. While it's not unusual for Ontario to experience a few heatwaves, this summer definitely kicked off particularly intense, with overnight lows offering little relief. But if you love the warmer weather, don't worry, temps will climb back into the high 20s by Tuesday and settle around 28C on Wednesday, with a slight chance of some much-needed precipitation.
Globe and Mail
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
Manitoba prepares to house thousands of evacuees as wildfires burn out of control
Smoke alerts and heat warnings are in place across the country this weekend, as thousands of people are fleeing their homes from out-of-control wildfires. In a rare occurrence, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a second provincewide state of emergency this week, calling upon the military to airlift residents from northern communities toward safer areas, emphasizing the severity of this year's historically bad wildfire season. The province was under a state of emergency from May until late last month, during which more than 21,000 people had been evacuated. But blanketed by thick fumes and hazardous smoke – a large portion of which has even drifted beyond the Canadian border, much to the chagrin of some U.S. politicians – Manitoba is now in short supply to provide lodgings and hotels for more than 12,600 newer evacuees. The situation is so dire that soccer fields, indoor arenas and downtown convention centres in Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie are being emptied to be converted into makeshift shelters with cots, ready to accept a significant number of arrivals. The city of Brandon has also been asked to be prepared in case Manitoba needs more evacuation spaces. Wildfire smoke map: Track air quality warnings and advisories across the country 'It's a very emotional time for a lot of people who have been displaced from their homes, so many for a second time this year,' said Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham in an interview Friday. 'At moments like this, all the rest of us can do is step up, try to be good and kind neighbours, and help where we can.' Federal officials have warned people in multiple parts of the country to limit their time outside and to cancel or reschedule outdoor activities, events and sports – with the air quality in several cities and towns expected to be at high-risk levels for Saturday and Sunday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. More than 535 wildfires are burning in Canada, with at least 155 of those deemed out of control. Several provinces have been facing severe fires this summer, earlier and more aggressive than in previous years. Saskatchewan is now airlifting around 700 people from the northern hamlet of Patuanak to several different towns and cities. About 90 kilometres away, the northern village of Beauval has also been evacuated, as a large fire – burning more than 33,900 hectares, nearly double the size of Regina – is encroaching the area. Steve Roberts, vice-president of operations at the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, said crews are fighting 57 active fires. The province, which until last month was under its own emergency declaration alongside Manitoba, is managing to house evacuees where possible. 'But at any time that we cannot do that, we will approach cabinet to have them reinstate a state of emergency,' Mr. Roberts told reporters at a briefing Friday. In Alberta, more than 1,500 firefighters are battling at least 50 wildfires. Evacuations have been ordered near Chipewyan Lake, Peerless Lake, Trout Lake, Loon River First Nation and Red Earth Creek. And while warm, windy weather continues, the province says the possibility of showers in some areas this weekend may support firefighting efforts. Officials in British Columbia, meanwhile, are contending with 68 wildfires. Although some rainfall and cooler temperatures have been helpful to dampen fire activity in the northern region, the BC Wildfire Service is expecting southern parts of the province to see hot and dry weather, creating ripe conditions for flames. Coastal regions, the province said, will also see weather patterns that could drive aggressive fire behaviour. The brunt of this year's wildfires, however, have been borne by Manitoba, where more than a million hectares of forest has now been burned. In a fire-status bulletin Friday, the province noted that this season has been 'the worst on record in the last 30 years.' Evacuations will continue this weekend in nearly a dozen Manitoba communities – including for around 4,000 people in Garden Hill First Nation and more than 1,000 near Snow Lake. Precautionary measures have also been put in place for around 13,000 residents in Thompson, the most populated municipality in northern Manitoba. Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents 26 northern First Nations, said the province could do better at mandating hotels to open more rooms rather than relying on makeshift shelters. 'Right now, most of the newly displaced families are being sent to these congregate shelters,' he said Friday, describing the spaces as 'unsafe and unsuitable for elders, young children and people with health concerns.' The Premier said that is one of the main reasons the province has declared its latest state of emergency. 'Because we need access to more facilities to be able to shelter this large number of Manitobans,' Mr. Kinew said this week. Last month, Lisa Naylor, Manitoba's minister in charge of emergency management, implored all travellers within and from outside the province to reconsider any non-essential travel, as the government needed more hotel rooms for wildfire evacuees. The Manitoba government has not advised against all non-essential travel during this week's emergency declaration. Louise Waldman, vice-president of communications at Travel Manitoba, a Crown corporation, said more than 100 tourism operators have been affected by the wildfires. She said at least 13 businesses were added to that list this week, with four of them being evacuated for the second time this year. Don Lamont, executive director of the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, said the earlier messaging from government 'has been confusing, and it's negatively impacted many lodges, causing some of them to be in danger of losing their businesses entirely.' He said at least 45 lodges and outfitters have been affected in some capacity by the wildfires, and it will take more than a couple of years to make up for their losses.
