Hamilton is under a heat warning for at least the next 2 days

Hamilton | Health | Latest News | Weather |

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Published July 18, 2022 at 3:46 pm

With humidex values in the upper 30s expected in Hamilton on Tuesday and Wednesday, the city has issued a heat warning.

The warning, issued from medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, will stay in in effect until it is cancelled or escalated to an extended heat warning. Temperatures over the next two days are expected to spike to around 31 C with high humidity, and an overnight low near 20C will provide little relief from the heat, the city said.

The city and many community agencies offer “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. Cooling centres include community centres and library branches, and the rural branches in Freelton, Greensville and Lynden will have extended hours until all warnings are lifted. A full list of cooling centres is available at hamilton.ca/heat.

As well, open swims at all indoor pools in the city will be free of charges. Outdoor pools, spray pads and additional cool places will also be open across the city.

Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive on Thursday (July 21).

The city’s tips for reducing one’s risk of heat-related illness include:

  • Drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.
  • Going to an air-conditioned place. Visit a designated cool place listed on www.hamilton.ca/heat
  • Dressing to protect from the heat with lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and use sunscreen.
  • Take it easy. Limit physical activities such as walking, running or gardening 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.
  • Cooling off. Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Keeping your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.
  • Never leaving children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car can become life-threatening within minutes.
  • Checking on your neighbours and family.

Hamilton declared a climate crisis in 2019.

Experts say the city, on an annual basis, will have twice as many extreme heat events each year over the next three decades than it did over a 30-year period from 1976 to 2005. Extreme heat is defined as a temperature of 30C or more. However, the city’s official temperature is recorded on Hamilton Mountain at John C. Munro International Airport, and many areas of the lower city are urban heat islands due to the combinaton of a lack of tree canopy, reduced air flow from taller buildings and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-burning vehicles.

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