The intense heat felt through most of southern Manitoba this week has many seeking relief. Temperatures hit the mid-30s this afternoon, and the above average temperatures are expected to remain until the weekend. Environment Canada has put a heat warning in place for a majority of southern Manitoba, warning of the possible health risks associated with these temperatures.

Young children are some of those most at risk for heat-related illnesses, and local day cares are working to ensure their kids are staying healthy. Portage la Prairie's West End Day Care Executive Director Janice Delf says they take several measures to keep the kids out of the heat, including limiting their time outside during the day's hottest periods. 

Rylee Potter, Janice Delf, and Sharlin Doty are staying inside today

"We try to go out early in the morning when it's cooler. When we do go outside we limit it, and we have lots of shaded areas. We make sure the kids are well hydrated and keep to the shaded areas, and limit the really fast gross-motor activities so they don't overheat themselves." 

While keeping several youngsters inside can be easier said than done, Delf says they've been fortunate. She notes they have several partners within the community that can allow them to give the kids a change of scenery, while still keeping them out of the hot temperatures.

"It does sometimes get busy inside the centre, but we've been fortunate enough for the older age group that we've been able to work it out with a school, go to their gymnasium, and use that space as well. Also, for instance, this afternoon we're taking the kids to the movie theatre which had opened for all the day care centres."

For those spending the day with their children at home, many sought relief at Splash Island. Even prior to the start of the public swim at the water park, several residents lined up outside the gate to ensure they could cool down quickly. Jose Varas from Winnipeg and his family were some of those trying to cool down at the pool, a trip they often make when it's just too hot.

José Varas and family are ready to cool down"We're just coming to cool off at the pool. The kids like Splash Island so we drive out, it's only a 45-minute drive and we bring some water. We usually stop for a Slurpee but there was too much traffic today and we just wanted to get out here."

While some aimed to beat the heat, others were embracing the above average temperatures. Dave Stiegler and his family decided to spend some time at Island Park this afternoon. He admits it was a bit warm, but says he wants to embrace the outdoors as long as he can.

"We're handling it just fine. I actually did some cement work today, we started that work nice and early and got that done. Now we're enjoying my dad's birthday, it's his 84th birthday today so we're at the park enjoying ourselves. Yeah, it's a little humid but I hate to be the bearer of bad news but winter's around the corner so we have to take what we can get here."

Not all those outdoors today were enjoying it. Ami Buhler of Steinbach was working on some asphalt work in Portage la Prairie but was on her way home due to heat stroke. While she and her crew were drinking a lot of water and taking breaks, she notes the labour along with the heat made for a difficult shift. 

Ami Buhler of Steinbach was feeling heat stroke coming on

"It's ridiculously hot. I don't think most people realize how hot it is, especially working beside the asphalt which is heated up to 300 degrees or something like that. It feels almost twice as hot to us than to most people just walking around today."

Those at the site said they were feeling a little jealous of those cooling off at the pool, with Jozie Mahara saying this is one of the hottest days she's ever had to work outdoors.

Don't forget about your furry friends during the heat wave

 

Written with files from Rae Hathaway and Mike Blume