A heatwave swept through much of Manitoba on Thursday, bringing warm temperatures that had some Winnipeg residents enjoying the sunny weather while others expressed concerns about the sudden change affecting vulnerable individuals in the city.
Winnipeg was placed under a yellow-level heat warning as per Environment and Climate Change Canada, predicting daytime highs in the low to mid-30s extending into the following week, with overnight lows in the high teens.
Father-son duo Dennis and Duane King relished the sunshine, bonding over a cold treat at Sargent Sundae on Portage Avenue. Dennis expressed relief at the arrival of good weather after enduring a long, cold winter and chilly spring, emphasizing the need to savor the fleeting warmth. Duane, likewise, appreciated the pleasant weather as he seized the opportunity to relax on his day off before returning to work over the weekend.
Meanwhile, at Assiniboine Park, some Winnipeggers cooled off with ice cream, while Katie Enns and Susan Krause enjoyed iced coffees and shopping at The Forks. Krause, a doctor, highlighted the risks posed by extreme heat to vulnerable individuals lacking access to essentials like water, air-conditioning, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing. Both Krause and Enns acknowledged their privilege to enjoy outdoor activities in such conditions, recognizing the disparities faced by many in Winnipeg.
Margot Ross, the development director at Siloam Mission, emphasized the life-threatening nature of extreme heat for individuals relying on the shelter’s services. The mission had already distributed hundreds of water bottles to keep people hydrated and appealed for donations of water bottles, summer clothing, and sandals to support those in need during the heatwave.
Concerns were raised about the limited cooling options for vulnerable populations, especially as Siloam Mission planned to reduce drop-in hours in July due to financial constraints. The City of Winnipeg issued a heat warning with tips to prevent heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated and utilizing designated cooling spaces across the city. Hydration stations and cooling space locations were made available on the city’s website for residents.
In response to the heatwave, the city installed nine hydration stations primarily downtown, offering clean drinking water round the clock. Mike Olczyk, the city’s emergency management coordinator, stressed the importance of staying hydrated and recognizing heat-related symptoms. Six community centers were designated as cooling spaces, providing bottled water, air-conditioned seating, and information on coping with extreme heat.
As the heatwave continued, Winnipeg residents were urged to take precautions and make use of available resources to stay safe and cool during the hot weather.