Published on May. 23, 2026, 12:38 AM
Temperatures are set to rise as a wavy pattern develops over Canada for the final days of May
A heat wave is in the cards for parts of Canada heading into the final days of May as a blocking pattern sets up high above the country.
This spell of heat will see daytime temperatures rise into the 30s alongside sticky humidex values.
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Jet stream arches over the centre of the country
The short-lived pattern expected to build over Canada next week is known as an omega block, named for its striking resemblance to the Greek letter omega.
An omega block occurs in the upper levels of the atmosphere when a ridge of high pressure gets bookended by two troughs. Similar to a kink in a garden hose, this wavy pattern can be tough to dislodge and linger for days as a result.
Above-seasonal temperatures are common beneath strong ridges of high pressure, and we’re set to see readings soar across the eastern Prairies during the latter half of next week.
Temperatures and humidity set to rise on the eastern Prairies
The warmest temperature recorded in Canada so far in 2026 was a 33.5°C reading in Lytton, B.C., back on May 5. That national milestone could be in jeopardy during this upcoming heat wave, most likely in southern Saskatchewan.
