Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of southern Ontario, including our region. Humidex values are expected to reach 40 in many areas on Thursday and Friday. Deteriorating air quality is also a possibility and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
Full text of the Environment Canada alert follows:
Heat warning issued for:
• Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region
• Vaughan - Richmond Hill - Markham
• Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago
• Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
• Listowel - Milverton - Northern Perth County
• Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County
• Guelph - Erin - Southern Wellington County
• Kitchener - Cambridge - Region of Waterloo
• Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus
• Halton Hills - Milton
• Burlington - Oakville
• Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region
• St. Catharines - Grimsby - Northern Niagara Region
Current details:
Hot and humid conditions expected Wednesday through Friday.
Temperatures on Wednesday are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius. Thursday, while slightly cooler, will be very humid with humidex values in the upper 30s. Friday is expected to be extremely hot with humidex values reaching 40 for many areas. Minimum temperatures in the low 20s will provide little relief from the heat. Cooler temperatures are expected Saturday.
Areas near the lakes can expect to remain cooler than areas inland.
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
