Manitoba communities smash heat records

Parts of Manitoba smashed temperature records over the weekend, amid an ongoing heat wave that is not expected to break for several days.

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The heat threat prompted Environment Canada to issue an orange-level heat warning across southern Manitoba. A yellow-level warning was issued for central parts of the province, where temperatures are expected to reach the low 30s but feel hotter with the humidity. Even parts of northern Manitoba, where temperatures are forecast around 30 C, are under yellow-level warnings, Environment Canada said.

Daytime highs shattered temperature records in seven communities Sunday. Four others tied their record highs. MCreary was the provincial hotspot, reaching 36.5 C and breaking the old record of 32 C, set in 1979.

- Gretna reached 35.8 C, beating out its old record of 35.6 C from 1969. - Portage la Praire reached 35.7 C, breaking its 1939 record of 35.6 C. - Carberry reached 34.7 C, breaking the 1969 record of 33.9 C. - Kleefeld reached 34.4 C, tying its 1969 record high. - Swan River reached 33.9 C, tying the record high set in 1964.

- Gimli reached 33.9 C, tying its 1955 record. - Fisher Branch reached 33.9 C, breaking its 1979 record of 32 C. - Gillam reached 32.9 C, tying its 2012 record. - Shoal Lake reached 32.9 C, breaking its 1964 record of 29.4 C. - Grand Rapids reached 32.9 C, breaking its 2012 record of 32.3 C. The temperature in Winnipeg reached a stifling 35.3 C, with a humidex level that made it feel like 47 C.

The previous record for July 12 was set in 1936, when the temperature reached 37.8 C. The city has opened the doors to leisure centres and libraries to provide drinking water during regular operating hours and provide shelter from the heat. The City of Winnipeg website lists eight community centres that are serving as cooling spaces and nine hydration stations. fpcity@freepress.mb.ca