Heat warning in effect for Hamilton on Tuesday
It's about to get hot: temperatures expected to reach 31ºC on Tuesday and Wednesday
Get ready for the heat: the City of Hamilton is issuing a heat warning for Tuesday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday the temperatures are expected to reach 31ºC, which just passes the city's threshold for a publicly-issued heat warning. The mercury is expected to drop below that threshold again on Thursday, with an anticipated high of 27ºC.
Overnight lows on Tuesday and Wednesday won't be very low at all, with temperatures expected to remain north of 20ºC both nights.
The City of Hamilton has designated specific "cool places" around the city, identified by signs inviting the public to "cool down here." Public pools will also have extended operating hours on days where a heat warning has been issued.
For more information about the cool places and public pools, residents can contact 905-546-CITY (2489) Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or pay a visit to www.hamilton.ca/heat.
Tips for keeping cool
The city's medical officer of health offers the following advice for dealing with the heat:
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages on hot days.
- Go to an air-conditioned space. The city has many spaces with air conditioning, such as malls, public recreation centres and public libraries.
- Dress to protect from the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don't forget to put on sunscreen.
- Take it easy. Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day. If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with insect repellent as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Remember to read the labels, as application instructions can vary.
- Take a cool bath or shower.
- Keep your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. When the temperature is cooler outside than inside, open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car can become life-threatening within minutes.
- Check on your neighbours and family.