The Hamilton, Niagara, and Brant regions are currently under a heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach up to 32 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 40 on Tuesday and Wednesday, as forecasted by Environment Canada. Overnight lows during this period are anticipated to range from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, according to the weather agency.
Environment Canada advises taking proactive measures to safeguard oneself and others from the heat, emphasizing the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals such as older adults and those living alone multiple times a day, either in person or over the phone. The heatwave is forecasted to persist until Thursday.
In Hamilton and St. Catharines on Tuesday afternoon, temperatures are projected to peak at 30 degrees Celsius with a humidex of 38 and a low of 20. Early signs of heat exhaustion to watch for, as highlighted by Environment Canada, include symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, intense fatigue, dark urine, and thirst.
Wednesday is expected to see a high of 29 degrees Celsius, a humidex of 37, and a low of 19. The weather agency recommends staying indoors in cool environments whenever possible and minimizing direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing along with a wide-brimmed hat is also advised.
The City of Hamilton has issued a heat alert for Tuesday, providing various cooling spaces for residents, including outdoor pools, spray pads, libraries, and recreation centers. These locations are easily identifiable by a “cool down here” sign at their entrances. Landlords are urged to assess the cooling options in their rental units and provide tenants access to cool spaces if needed, in efforts to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
For a complete list of cooling spaces available in the city, residents can refer to the City of Hamilton’s website.