Justin Liles: More Wildfire smoke and climbing temperatures

You may have noticed the skies becoming a bit darker since earlier this afternoon. Heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires across southeast Manitoba will drift southeastward around an area of high pressure. More smoke will impact us due to some large wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. An Air Quality Alert has been issued until 6 pm Friday. Nearly all the regions will see or smell wildfire smoke over the next 24-36 hours.

Windy conditions return on Friday, with wind gusts up to 25 mph or more. Temperatures will continue to increase, with the warmest conditions expected on Monday, with most areas reaching into the 80s. Over the weekend, a lake breeze returns, keeping the shoreline communities much cooler than farther inland. By mid-next week, the chances for rain and thunderstorms increase. The next day of concern will be Tuesday, as all the ingredients for stronger storms come into play.

Tonight
Areas of smoke after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday
Areas of smoke before 10am, then areas of smoke after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Breezy, with a northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 70. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 74. South wind around 5 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a south wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.