A ridge of high pressure has settled over much of the western prairies, including southern Saskatchewan, bringing with it a clear sky and highs that are well above average.

“Sunny conditions for Moose Jaw and very warm conditions while you’re under this influence of this combination low pressure up north and the high pressure elsewhere,” said Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Natalie Hassel.

The forecast for today is 30°C with a sunny sky with the clear sky sticking around overnight with a low of 14°C, meaning that Moose Jaw will be below the criteria for a heat warning to be issued.

Smoke, however, will stick around for the next several days. Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reading at 6 a.m. this morning was a 4 - representing a moderate risk. Environment Canada forecasts the AQHI will rise to 6 on Monday night and into Tuesday, before falling to 4 by Tuesday night.

“The smoke might play a role in the temperature forecast, it might not get quite as hot as forecasted,” said Hassel noting that the combination of smoke and heat may lead to a difficult time for some.

The heat is expected to stick around throughout the rest of the week with highs ranging from 27°C to 34°C, with the hottest day this week expected tomorrow (Tuesday, August 29) when the mercury is expected to reach 34°C, a full 11°C hotter than normal for this time of year.

While it’ll be hot tomorrow, Moose Jaw won’t come close to setting a new heat record. The hottest August 29 on record was in 1972 when it was a scorching 37.8°C.

Those hoping for more rain may be in luck as the long-range forecast is calling for a system to come through the region early next week, but Hassel says that isn’t a guarantee.

“By early next week, a system could come through, but not all models agree. It’s still far, but there is a chance of some precipitation next week,” stated Hassel.

There’s good news for those hoping that the warmer weather will stick around in September as the four-week long-range forecast is warmer than average.

“We do see a good chunk of Saskatchewan has signatures for above normal temperatures through September 25, but I’d expect some variability,” says Hassel.