From cold to hot.

Two weeks after an off-season snowfall swept through the southwest on May 20th, Environment and Climate Change Canada is issuing a heat warning for the same area.

Speaking with Natalie Hasell, a Warning Preparedness Specialist, she explained that all wacky weather tends to come from high-pressure systems dropping onto us from various directions depending on the season.

"We often talk about areas of high pressure with temperature extremes. In the winter it'll be an arctic ridge, for instance. And in this case, we're talking much warmer temperatures under this summerlike conditions."

That high-pressure ridge is sweeping in from the south this time, bringing daytime temperatures into the mid-thirties and overnight lows in the mid-teens.

Hasell added that one of the few "blessings" is that a relative lack of rainfall will be keeping the humidex under control, but the heat itself, even without the addition of a humidex, is meeting Environment Canada's criteria for a warning all by itself.

"For Swift Current, it looks like the hottest day (...) will be tomorrow. The current forecast of high is 36, so well above normal and well above criteria."

32 degrees will follow on Friday and will drop slightly from there, as it cools just a little bit on the weekend.

As far as records are concerned, Hasell believes that the next three days could see some records broken. Today sits on the bubble, facing a record of 32.9 set in 2006. Tomorrow seems likely, as the region's 36-degree high is battling against a 1988 record of 34. And Friday is unlikely, with the record...again set in 1988...sitting at a blistering 38 degrees.

The risks of heat at this level are there for everyone, but Hasell stressed especially young children, older adults, people with chronic illness and those working or exercising outdoors need to take more precautions and look for the signs of heat illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting and heat exhaustion.

Relief can be as simple as planning the day around the heat, avoiding the worst of it. Staying hydrated, staying in the shade, and of course never leaving kids or pets in vehicles. And while COVID-19 remains a concern, Hasell says that the option of going to an air-conditioned shopping mall remains for those who do not have the financial ability to buy one of their own still exists.

And finally, she added that it's a good time to be a good neighbour.

"This is a really good time. Especially if you know someone who lives alone, to check-in. Be the good neighbour. That way if they do need help, you can help them."