Canadian weather forecast: Alerts for heat, rain, smoke [Video]

Complaining about the weather often feels like a Canadian national pastime, but recently, extreme conditions have elevated complaints to safety concerns across the country.

On Thursday, Environment Canada issued weather alerts for eight of the country’s provinces and territories.

Here’s where warnings are in effect.

Atlantic Canada

The government agency issued heat warnings for Antigonish, Pictou and Colchester counties in Nova Scotia, with humid and warm weather settling over the province Thursday through next Wednesday. Overnight temperatures are forecast to hit 20 C, while temperatures could feel as warm as 36 to 39 C earlier in the day Friday.

The warning said temperatures and humidex values are expected to peak next Monday afternoon.

• Downpours, thunderstorms continue in Maritimes as the remnants of Beryl move through

The government also issued a special weather statement alerting residents of western Cape Breton to prepare for potential heavy rain. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop until Thursday evening, and “torrential” downpours are possible, …