Those looking to take advantage of the re-opening of parks and beaches in the province will be welcomed by soaring temperatures. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Trevor Redden

Summer Sun

Soaring temperatures expected for opening of parks, beaches

Jun 11, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Some much-needed sunshine is on the way after a cool, wet spring, with temperatures heading into the 30’s this weekend.

Surging temperatures across the province are timely as the government is allowing outdoor playgrounds and beaches to reopen Friday, although physical distancing restrictions and limits on gathering sizes remain in place.

Prince Albert’s forecast is showing a high of 31 degrees Celsius on Saturday, nudging up to the record high of 31.5. In Melfort, Environment Canada is predicting 29 degrees on Saturday and up to 30 on Sunday. The previous record for June 13 (Saturday) is 26.3, meaning there could be a new mark set.

Terri Lang, meteorologist with Environment Canada, reminded people that with the heat comes the risk of thunderstorms.

“We are looking at a better chance of thundershowers for Prince Albert late Saturday night, and a good chance Sunday. Keep that in mind when people are out and about,” Lang said.

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Across the region, Lang said the western part of the province including North Battleford and Meadow Lake are at risk of the heaviest thundershowers from Saturday through Sunday. The eastern portion toward Melfort has no rain in the forecast but there is still risk with the heat.

Broadening the view across the province, Lang says the highest temperatures are expected in the west-central region in places like Kindersley and Leader.

“They’re looking at between 32 and 35 maybe, depending on cloud cover. They will definitely be the recipients of the warmest temperatures.”

Lang described the expected weather system as a bubble of warm air coming up from the southwest, with temperatures cooling slightly toward the north. The heat is expected to collapse southeastward at the beginning of next week, pulling the central region back into a more seasonal pattern.

Lang expects next week to be closer to the 30-year average with daytime highs in the low 20’s, and potentially more chances of showers.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden