Hamilton under an extended heat warning as temperatures set to soar today

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Published May 27, 2020 at 1:46 pm

A heat warning has been extended for the City of Hamilton by its Medical Officer of Health on Wednesday (May 27).

A heat warning has been extended for the City of Hamilton by its Medical Officer of Health on Wednesday (May 27).

Temperatures are expected to peak again to near the 30-degree mark in many areas Wednesday.

While temperatures Thursday will continue to be above normal, they will be a little lower due to more cloud cover and perhaps an isolated shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Humidex values in the mid to upper 30s will prevail again Wednesday afternoon.

A cold front will deliver considerably cooler and less humid air to Southern Ontario on Friday.

The City of Hamilton and some community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go during all stages of a heat event. These locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance.

They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are located at:

  • Central Memorial Community Centre, 93 West Avenue South, Hamilton
  • Ryerson Recreation Centre, 251 Duke Street, Hamilton
  • Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton
  • Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, 876 Cannon Street East
  • Stoney Creek Recreation Centre, 45 King Street West, Stoney Creek
  • Rosedale Arena & Senior Centre, 100 Greenhill Avenue, Hamilton
  • Hamilton Central Library, 55 York Boulevard, Hamilton
  • Barton Library, 571 Barton Street East, Hamilton

At the cool places, measures will be in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing protocols will be in effect, screening for COVID-19 symptoms will occur and users are urged to wear a face-covering or mask if you have one.

Drinking water will also be available at these locations.

Hamilton’s Public Health Service offers the following suggestions for keeping cool and avoiding heat-related illness:

Reduce your risk of heat-related illness by following these precautions:

  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.
  • Go to an air-conditioned place. Visit a designated cool place listed on www.hamilton.ca/heat
  • Dress to protect from the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don’t forget sunscreen.
  • Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day. If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with insect repellant as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Check labels to apply.
  • Cool off. Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Keep your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes.
  • Check on your neighbours and family.

For more information on the City’s response during a heat warning, visit their website here.

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