Environment Canada warns of heat wave in Ontario and Eastern Canada with soaring temperatures in the forecast.
Environment Canada has issued an extreme heat advisory, predicting “dangerously hot and humid conditions” for parts of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick throughout most of the week.
Daytime highs are forecasted to range from 30 to 35 degrees, with the humidity making it feel as hot as 45 degrees in cities like Windsor, London, Toronto, Kingston, and their surrounding areas. Ottawa will experience slightly lower temperatures with the humidex reaching up to 40 degrees, while Northeastern Ontario will have a humidex of 42 degrees.
“There will be little relief overnight with lows expected to be between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius and humidex values of 26 to 30,” stated Environment Canada in its advisory for southern Ontario. “Hot and humid air can also lead to deteriorating air quality and an increased risk of the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.”
In the northeastern part of the province up to Fort Albany, temperatures are anticipated to be slightly cooler overnight with temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees and humidity levels between 25 to 30 degrees.
Environment Canada has also issued a heat warning for much of southern Quebec, with humidity levels exceeding 40 degrees in the afternoon starting June 18. Daily highs between 30 and 35 degrees and overnight temperatures above 20 degrees are expected from Gatineau east to Montreal.
Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières will experience slightly cooler temperatures with daytime highs ranging from 30 to 34 degrees.
The heat is expected to move eastward as the week progresses, with the highest temperatures reaching New Brunswick on June 19 and 20. Temperatures will reach as high as 30 to 33 degrees, with the humidex making it feel as hot as 44 degrees in Fredericton.
Although the humidity is predicted to decrease in Quebec and New Brunswick on June 21, Ontario will remain hot.
Southern and Central Ontario will continue to experience humidity levels above 30 degrees into next week, with areas like Windsor having humidity levels around 40 degrees over the weekend.
Heat Safety
Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals working outdoors. Health Canada recommends staying hydrated by drinking water before feeling thirsty to reduce the risk of dehydration.
It’s crucial to monitor for signs of heat illness, including high body temperature, skin rash, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and dark urine, which are all symptoms of heat exhaustion.
If individuals experience confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness/fainting, and very hot, red skin without sweating, it could be a sign of heat stroke. Health Canada advises seeking immediate medical help in such cases.