Brandon copes with heat wave
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/06/2017 (3224 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Record-breaking temperatures on Friday set the stage for a hot weekend, and the early start to summer conditions is giving Brandonites an excuse to get creative in finding ways to cool off.
By 3 p.m. on Friday, temperatures reached 33.1 C, breaking the old record of 32.2 C set in 1948.
With Brandon’s outdoor pools and spray parks not open yet — two outdoor pools open June 19 followed by four spray parks and one paddle pool on June 30 — kiddie pools and sprinklers decorated some yards while many Brandon residents flocked to the closest ice cream stand for a cool treat.
“Average June temperatures are highs of around 22 degrees and lows around nine degrees, so this is higher than average,” Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist John Paul Cragg said, adding temperatures are expected to stay around 30 C over the weekend and into next week.
George Hartlen, CAO of Friends of Riding Mountain National Park, said he expects quite a few people will seek solace from the heat in the cool waters of Clear Lake.
“In regards to beating that summer heat, Clear Lake is going to be absolutely gorgeous with the hot weather. The nice cool waters of Clear Lake will definitely be inviting,” Hartlen said. “Our ice cream shops and gelato shops are also going to be quite busy trying to keep up with the demand … other people are going to be out on the paddle boards or taking cruises on The Martese, trying to cool off a little bit.”
The water is a little on the cooler side, Hartlen said, but that hasn’t stopped eager swimmers looking to beat the heat.
“There were actually people in the water before the May long weekend. There are the diehards that definitely have to go in there, and I know our locals have already been swimming in the lake on a regular basis,” Hartlen said. “On those really hot days, it definitely combats the heat and humidity we experience.”
Regardless of whether you’re out of town or in the city, there are risks with the heat and the sunshine to be aware of, Cragg said.
“UV rays at this time of the year and all through the summer are an important thing to watch out for. The UV index is very high right now and probably will continue for the next few days with the bright sunny sky,” Cragg said.
“Another thing you might want to watch out for when temperatures are this high is not overexerting yourself during the hottest part of
the day outside. Especially if you have any health issues, they could be exasperated by this heat.”
In hot weather, it’s important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty, according to Manitoba Health, and avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can increase the amount of water lost by the body.
» edebooy@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @erindebooy