It goes without saying that July was a hot, dry month for Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon and North Battleford both recorded their driest July on record last year based on preliminary stats from Environment Canada.

Closer to home, meteorologist Janelle Gergely says dryness varied depending where you were.

“Regina was only the 27th driest on record, so that is considerably different than Moose Jaw just to the west which was the third driest on record, so it really varies as you go across the province.”

That July heatwave that seems to have lasted all summer was out in full force over the August long weekend.

Gergely says many heat records fell Sunday and Monday.

“We had nine records set across the province on Sunday and another six (Monday),” Gergley said. “Of significance, on Sunday the highest we saw was 36°C in the Leader area, and then (Monday), I believe the highest we saw was in the Kindersley area. They saw 37.4°C (Monday).”

However, Gergely says help is on the way.

“That upper ridge that’s been bringing those warm and dry conditions for much of July is finally getting pushed out,” Gergely said. “We have a bigger upper low that’s going to be moving into Alberta on Saturday and that will bring cooler conditions into Saskatchewan on Sunday and Monday.”

With that upper low, rain is in the forecast for Friday night, all day Saturday and throughout the day Sunday.

Until then, heat warnings and air quality advisories are still in effect for much of Saskatchewan.