Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Hamilton, Brantford, Burlington, the Niagara Region and all across Southern Ontario.
The weather agency says “A prolonged heat event will begin today. Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected through most of the week.”
Environment Canada says that “Daytime highs through much of the week are expected to be 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45. There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 20 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30. Temperatures and humidex values may be several degrees cooler near the shores of the Great Lakes.”
The weather agency warns that along with the heat, air quality can deteriorate and that health risks are greater for “older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.”
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for much of the province, from Windsor in the south all the way to Fort Albany in the north, and from Ottawa in the east to Sault Ste Marie in the west.
“There will be little relief through the overnight,” the federal weather agency says, as temperatures in the low 20s and humidex values between 26 and 30 will persist throughout the early morning hours.
Temperatures will be about 8 C hotter than average
Overall, temperatures in Hamilton over the coming days will be about 8 C hotter than average, when compared to data from 1981 to 2010, according to CBC’s climate dashboard.
Environment Canada told CBC News it will be able to link extreme heat to climate change within a week, estimating the likelihood of climate change causing a weather event, and how much it made it worse.
Hamilton public health issued a heat warning to start Monday. In a Sunday media release, the department warns of “dangerous hot and humid conditions.”
Hamilton’s criteria for a heat warning is two or more days with forecasted highs greater than or equal to 31 C, and nighttime lows of 20 C or more, or two days with a humidex of 40 C or greater.
During public heat warnings, some city spaces such as libraries and community centres open as spaces for people to cool off, and all regularly scheduled open swims at pools become free.
The city website states spending even a few hours a day in air conditioning can help during periods of extreme heat, when heat exhaustion and heat stroke are risks.
Drinking plenty of water, taking a cool bath or shower, closing curtains or blinds and limiting exercise are ways to prevent heat-related illness, the city says.
The website reminds Hamiltonians to check on neighbours and family members, and call a doctor if you have symptoms including paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, fainting or nausea.