The layer of smoke that's pushed into our province from BC will likely shield us from hitting today's forecasted high of 31 degrees. It’s also the cause of the crimson, orange sun we’ve been experiencing for most of the day.

Nevertheless, Environment Canada Meteorologist Kirk Torneby says this late season summer heat wave has us experiencing higher than normal temperatures.

“We have a very large dome of warm air which has parked itself over Western Canada which is allowing these day time highs to pick up quite a bit. Usually as we move into latter parts of August, obviously the nights are quite a bit longer, it’s a lot harder to get those warm temperatures. Usually this year in August, in and around the Red Deer Lacombe area, the average day time high is around 22.”

Long range, Torneby says early indications are also for a warmer than normal fall.

It's the 13th warmest summer on record for the Red Deer area, and the 9th driest August on record for our region.

Last year there were no days where the temperature exceeded 30 degrees, this summer we've already experienced 3 days, 2 of them in August.