Environment Canada has issued an extreme heat event warning for the Canada Day long weekend. The environmental agency says this will likely be the most significant heat wave of the season so far.
Much of Southern Ontario has been issued a heat warning, including Kingston, Brockville, Belleville and their surrounding areas.
Daytime highs are expected to reach between 30 and 35 degress, but the humidex could make it feel above 40 degrees.
The weather authority says hot and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico will be travelling to Southern Ontario, and that high temperatures will begin Friday or Saturday and will continue through the Canada Day long weekend.
Overnight low temperatures are only expected to fall to the low twenties, providing little or no relief from the heat.
Environment Canada says it’s unclear when the heat will subside, and there are indications that it could last until the middle of next week.
It’s advised that people monitor themselves and others for symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion.
Symptoms include:
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- High body temperature
- Lack of sweat
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Unconsciousness
Geoff Coulson, meteorologist at Environment Canada, says sun safety will be key during the long weekend festivities.
“We’re probably going to be looking at UV indexes of 9 or 10, that’ll be very high,” said Coulson. He advises people who are outside to wear sunblock and to make sure to wear a hat to protect the top of your body.
Coulson also issued a reminder to watch out for the very young and the old alike, who may be more easily affected by the heat.
Although this weekend may make the record books for Kingston’s hottest day, it may make the list of top ten hottest days in June.
According to YGK Weather Events, a Twitter account that tracks Kingston weather statistics from Environment Canada, Saturday is set to be the ninth hottest day in June on record, at 31 C. Despite being ninth, it isn’t far from the top spot — June 4, 1919, which reached 32.8 C.
— With files from Kevin Nielsen
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