Katherine Dow’s forecast: A break in the extreme heat is on the way

The heat wave continues across Manitoba on Monday, though there is a small light at the end of the proverbial, very muggy tunnel.

The heat wave continues across Manitoba on Monday, though there is a small light at the end of the proverbial, very muggy tunnel. Highs are expected to reach the mid-30s once again throughout southern Manitoba with humidex values expected to make it feel closer to 45. Along with the sweltering humidity comes sunshine and strong southerly winds at 30 km/h gusting at times to 50 km/h.

Meanwhile, a shortwave is expected to push over from Saskatchewan on Monday as it brings a chance of rain and non-severe thunderstorms to the north, with the highest risk in the northeast. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warns a severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out in the Interlake, specifically in Dauphin, Swan River and Berens River. Temperatures throughout the north will be a bit more manageable – in the mid to upper-20s in the east and a few degrees warmer in The Pas, Flin Flon and Norway House.

Meanwhile, smoky conditions continue throughout much of the northwest due to ongoing wildfires. Overnight Monday into Tuesday, thunderstorms can’t be ruled out throughout southern Manitoba, though the risk is relatively low. More likely, partly cloudy skies and overnight lows in the upper teens or low 20s.

Winds will shift into the north and ease. Into Tuesday, ECCC forecasts a cold front could flush out much of the humidity from southern Manitoba, likely bringing an end to the heat watches and warnings that have been in effect since Friday. Still, it will not be cool by any stretch.

Highs are expected at 30 C in Winnipeg and the high 20s through much of the rest of the Red River Valley, Parkland and the Interlake. These highs also come with lower humidity – a marked improvement from the weekend, though far from cool.