Heat warning to last until Saturday for Regina, south Sask.

People in Regina and southern Saskatchewan should get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Heat warnings were issued throughout the region Thursday morning.

The criteria for a heat warning in southern Saskatchewan is a daytime high of 32 C or higher with an overnight low no lower than 16 C. It must then be followed by a second consecutive day of 32 C for a daytime high.

Environment Canada’s Eric Dykes predicted the warning would be in place until Saturday when a cold front is expected to move into Saskatchewan. Dykes said the cold front should hit Regina around dinner time.

“It’s not so much a cold front as it is a cool front, if you will,” he said, noting it will shave one or two degrees off – just enough to edge out the heat warning.

Dykes said the slightly milder temperature won’t last long, with calls for a daytime high of 34 C Sunday. Another cool front is expected to roll in and cool things off – just slightly – for Monday.

Dykes explained the heat can be unsafe for some.

“People that do have existing health issues should probably take it easy, of course,” he said. “Stay hydrated, stay in air conditioned buildings whenever necessary.”

Northern Saskatchewan is also facing heat warnings, particularly along the northern grain belt. However, as Dkyes explained, the criteria for a heat warning is different in the top half of the province.

He said the threshold is slightly cooler, with a daytime high of 29 C and a low no lower than 14 C.