Environment Canada heat warnings remain in effect across much of Saskatchewan as daytime highs are expected to climb into the mid-30s again Thursday.
Communities under the alert stretch from Meadow Lake and Lloydminster to the province’s southeast corner, including North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.
Officials are reminding residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and extreme fatigue.
The hot and dry conditions are also leading to new fire bans in parts of northern Saskatchewan.
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Emergency Management has implemented a local fire ban for communities including Sucker River, Stanley Mission, Grandmother’s Bay, Hall Lake, Kitsaki Reserve and Little Red.
The ban applies to all open fires and suspends all active burn permits until further notice.
Traditional smokers, propane barbecues, propane fire pits and briquettes are still permitted under the restrictions.
Officials say the ban was issued because of the extreme heat, high fire index ratings and a lack of forecast precipitation.
Meanwhile, English River First Nation Emergency Management says its fire ban is back in full effect as temperatures rise.
Residents are being asked to keep ATVs and side-by-sides on designated roads only, with officials warning the surrounding forests and meadows are extremely dry.
The community says the goal is to prevent human-caused wildfires that could threaten homes or force evacuations, noting many northern communities are still recovering from the devastating wildfire season last year.