Southern Saskatchewan is at extreme risk for wildfires today, provincial officials said.
High winds and dry conditions could combine to produce fires that spread rapidly.
“We are in a crossover situation, which means the temperature is higher than the (relative humidity) value,” said emergency management commissioner Duane McKay. “That would be considered extreme.”
In Alberta, two fires south and west of Edmonton are burning out of control and people have been evacuated.
None of the 10 fires burning in Saskatchewan was out of control or threatening property.
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Alberta Crop Report: Rains in the south, dryness in the north
Rain fell onto the southern half of Alberta last week, while hot and dry conditions persisted in the northern half, according to the province’s crop report released on July 18.
Officials in both provinces hoped that rain showers forecast for tonight and tomorrow would help efforts to fight and prevent fires.
Meanwhile, several municipalities are still dealing with emergency flood situations in northwestern and north-central Saskatchewan.
The rural municipalities of Prince Albert, Corman Park, Humboldt, Rosthern, Fish Creek, Meeting Lake and Great Bend are all still under declared states of emergency, as is the village of Borden.
Water is still affecting 17 segments of provincial highway, including six that are closed. Highway 16, or the Yellowhead, near Radisson is still experiencing water flowing over the pavement. Highway 2, south of Prince Albert and the junction with Highway 11, is still closed and causing a lengthy detour.
The Water Security Agency said the water is in recession in all areas but the flooded municipalities are in low-lying areas with poor natural drainage and could see high water levels for several weeks.
