Heat alert issues for St Catharines, Grimsby, Niagara Falls and Welland
Published July 5, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Environment Canada has issued a heat alert today and tomorrow (July 5-6) for major parts of Niagara Region, notably St Catharines, Grimsby, Welland and Niagara Falls.
According to the weather agency, temperatures are expected to hit 31C to 34C to start the week with the humidex pushing that up to nearly 40C.
The good news is residents can expect some overnight relief tonight as temperatures should drop to the 21C to 25C range.
It should all come to an end late on July 6 as Environment Canada said the region can expect a cold front to bring showers and thunderstorms during the evening to knock the heat and humidity out of the air.
St Catharines is prepared for the blistering temperatures, extending their Splash pad hours from 9 am to 9 pm, their outdoor pool hours to 9 pm, and opening their Cooling Centres at Kiwanis Aquatics Centre and Russell Avenue Community Centre from 11 am to 7 pm.
Niagara Region Public Health is stressing the following precautions for heat waves to its residents:
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- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be outside, plan your activities during cooler parts of the day. Rest frequently in shady areas, and drink plenty of fluids (unless fluid is restricted by one’s physician).
- Never leave infants or young children in a parked car. Dress them in cool, loose clothing, and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Ensure infants and children are protected with sunscreen.
- People over 65 years of age may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Stay in cool areas and use air conditioning. When the temperature is in the high thirties or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is more effective.
- People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat. They should stay in cool areas and use air conditioning.
- Any health condition that causes dehydration makes the body more susceptible to heat sickness. Consult your doctor if you feel signs of confusion, dizziness, nausea, muscle swelling, heart disturbances, and/or a headache