A heat wave is when there is a period of abnormally hot weather lasting for more than 2-3 days. With the heat expected today, it may be more of a heat ripple, but it is packing a punch.  

With a forecast high of 38° today has the potential to be the hottest August 18th on record. The previous mark was set just three years ago when the mercury climbed to 35.7°.  

Coming with the heat, more smoke into the area.  

“It can dampen temperatures a bit, depending on how thick it is,” explained Terri Lang. She is a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. “If it's really, really think it can shave a few degrees off the high temperatures.” This could mean a slight reprieve from the near 40° temperatures. While that could be a slight silver lining, there is a slight downside, Lang continued.  

“We’ll have to see how thick it comes in and if it will do that,” she stated. “It also tends to suppress thunderstorm activity too, because th esun can’t heat up as much as it usually does.” 

This particular heat wave will be very short-lived. While temperatures Thursday were slightly above average, and the forecast for today is well above seasonal, things are expected to cool off on the weekend. By Sunday, temperatures could even be dipping below 20°, with a chance of rain. 

You can find out the latest forecast by visiting the Discover Weyburn Weather page.