After a soggy start to the summer, a blistering heat wave is baking parts of Manitoba Wednesday, and as soaring temperatures are forecast in Winnipeg for the next few days, cooling spaces are opening their doors for residents to beat the heat.
Sunny and hazy conditions are forecast in Winnipeg for the remainder of the week, with a high of 32 C on Thursday, but the humidex making it feel as warm as 39, Environment Canada said.
The temperature will go down to 23 C Thursday night, then push back up to 32 C on Friday, the weather agency forecast.
Leisure centres and library branches in Winnipeg can be used as cooling spaces with access to drinking water during regular operating hours, the city said.
The city’s indoor pools and outdoor spray pads are also open, and six community centres are opening their doors during certain hours as heat relief sites, the city said.
The city has also expanded its network of hydration stations, with eight stations in the downtown core and inner city, up from three last year. Access to free clean drinking water through hydration stations started as part of a pilot project in 2022.
A list of library branches, leisure centres, water stations and cooling spaces can be found on the city’s website.
The city advises residents to be mindful of sun exposure, reminding people to stay in the shade and keep hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion and strokes.