Hamilton heading for record on Day 3 of heat wave
The city was on its way to a new record for temperature as the scorching heat wave hits its third day.
By midafternoon Wednesday, the Weather Network showed temperatures in the city peaking 35 C, more than a full degree above the old record of 33.6 C, reached in 1999. With the humidity, the temperature feels like 42 C.
The city issued a Stage Three heat alert for Hamilton, effective Wednesday.
The alert means temperatures are expected to feel like 40 C with the humidity for a fourth consecutive day, or will hit 45 C with the humidex.
By 9.a.m. on Wednesday, the temperature had already reached 27 C at Hamilton International Airport and felt like 39 degrees with the humidity.
The city advises residents to keep cool, and has sent out a list of suggestions on how to deal with the heat.
Here are some of its suggestions:
- Drink lots of water.
- Go to an air-conditioned place.
- Limit unnecessary physical activity during the daytime, and reschedule outdoor activities for cooler times of day.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Close curtains or blinds to limit the amount of sunlight that streams into your living space.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
The city has also provided a list of "cool places," including public libraries and community centres, for residents who need to get out of the heat, and has temporarily extended operating hours for public outdoor pools.