Heat Warning will be in effect for Durham Region, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Hot and humid conditions are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with daytime high temperatures reaching near 31° Celsius with humidex values in the upper thirties are expected Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday’s overnight low near 20° Celsius will provide little relief from the heat.
Slightly cooler temperatures are expected on Thursday.
Environment Canada warned that hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
Keep your house cool. Block the sun by closing curtains or blinds, advised Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Oshawa issued a statement saying there are plenty of options to stay cool:
- Splash Pads will offer extended operation hours until sunset on July 19 and July 20.
- Lakeview Park Beach (weather permitting) will extend lifeguard supervision hours until sunset on July 19 and July 20. Community members are reminded to check the Region’s posted beach closures at durham.ca/beaches and to follow safe guidelines, including swimming only in designated areas and while supervised.
- Camp Samac outdoor pool will extend operation hours until sunset on July 19 and July 20. Visit Oshawa.ca/swim for swims schedule, admission rates and additional details.
- The Playground Program at Coldstream, Bridle and Mountjoy parks is cancelled on July 19 and July 20. All other Playground Program locations will run with an emphasis on passive games and activities in the shade with frequent breaks. Children should wear sunscreen, hat and bring a water bottle.
Durham Region Health Department advised of protective actions:
- If you do go outdoors, drink plenty of water, seek shade and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Or try to reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Maintain physical distancing when checking in with vulnerable neighbours, friends and older family members.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked car. Outside temperatures of 23°C /73°F can become dangerously hot inside the car with temperatures becoming higher than 50°C/122°F inside the car, which can lead to serious illness and death. Anyone seeing a person or pet unattended in a hot vehicle at any time should call 911 immediately.
- There are ways to keep your home cool even without an air conditioner. Close curtains or blinds during the day, open windows to cool your household in the evening, use a fan.
- If you must work outside or do physical activity outdoors, take extra breaks, drink lots of water and wear less gear, if possible. Remember to ensure to maintain physical distancing and stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart from co-workers and others.
- Durham Region outreach staff actively patrol the city to refer individuals without shelter or in need of services to resources in the community. If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter call 9-1-1 or visit the Region of Durham’s Emergency Shelters webpage or the City’s Unsheltered webpage at oshawa.ca/unsheltered.