As a significant heat wave moves in, Hamilton’s medical officer of health has placed the city under a heat warning as of Friday.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 30 C — with the humidex in the mid-40s — throughout the Canada Day long weekend and beyond.
Hamilton Public Health is encouraging people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Officials recommend drinking plenty of water and staying cool by avoiding physical activities during the day, visiting air-conditioned places, and dressing to protect yourself from the heat.
They also urged drivers never to leave a child or a pet alone inside a vehicle. Temperatures can become “life-threatening in minutes,” officials said.
As part of the city’s efforts to keep Hamiltonians cool, all indoor and outdoor pools can be accessed for free. Those needing a place to cool off can stop by various buildings that have been designated with “Cool Down Here” signs.
The city said the Salvation Army will be distributing water to those who need it.
Environment Canada is also warning the public about the sweltering temperatures, placing Hamilton and much of southern Ontario under a heat warning on Thursday afternoon.
“Current indications suggest hot temperatures could persist through next week,” the weather agency stated. “This will be the most significant heat event in the past few years.”
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