Hot weather expected to arrive in Waterloo region, Guelph and area this weekend

Hot temperatures are on the way for Waterloo region and area this weekend.

Saturday there's a chance of showers in the morning and a risk of a thunderstorm before clearing in the afternoon. The high on Saturday is expected to reach 28 C, but with the humidex it will feel closer to 36 C.

The Environment Canada forecast is calling for a sunny high of 33 C on Sunday, 34 C on Monday and 33 C on Tuesday with a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers.

Humidex values, which reflect how hot it feels, could be in the mid to upper 30s, and in some areas in the low 40s.

Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist for Environment Canada, told CBC News parts of southern Ontario are in for a "multi-day heat event" and people should prepare to find places to cool off.

People can expect to see heat warnings issued over the weekend, he said. 

"The heat event itself is expected to be a Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures Tuesday into Wednesday still being within our heat warning criteria," he said.

"These heat warnings are there for the protection of everybody, but there are people who are more vulnerable than others. So even if there isn't a heat warning on any particular day, not just through this event but throughout the summer as a whole, anybody who's more susceptible to heat or high humidity, it's important to check on them throughout the summer so that everybody stays safe and healthy."

He added hot temperatures can also lead to some unsettled weather, such as pop-up thunderstorms, so keep a regular eye on the forecast.

It's going to be "very important to monitor and keep up to date as best you can throughout the weekend leading into next week," he said.

Where to cool down

Cooling spaces are available in Waterloo region and includes city hall locations, township offices, library branches as well as shopping malls.

Also listed as cooling centres are:

• Cambridge: City hall, all Cambridge Public Library locations, WG Johnson Centre, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Social Services building at 150 Main St.
• Kitchener: Activia Sportsplex, Breithaupt Centre, Bridgeport Community Centre, Centreville Chicopee Community Centre, Chandler Mowat Community Centre, Country Hills Community Centre, Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, Country Hills Library at 1500 Block Line Rd. and Community Healthcaring K-W at 44 Francis St. S.
• Waterloo: RIM Park, Albert McCormick Community Centre, Moses Springer Community Centre, Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre, Region of Waterloo's Public Health and Social Services at 99 Regina St. S., and Waterloo Public Library branches.
• North Dumfries: Ayr branch of the Region of Waterloo Public Library, North Dumfries Community Complex.
• Wellesley: Linwood, St. Clements and Wellesley branches of the Region of Waterloo Public Library.
• Wilmot: Baden, New Dundee and New Hamburg branches of the Region of Waterloo Public Library and the Wilmot Recreation Complex.
• Woolwich: Bloomingdale, Breslau, Elmira, and St. Jacobs branches of the Region of Waterloo Public Library, the Breslau Community Centre and the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira.

These spaces are open as cooling centres during regular business hours.

People who are exposed to extreme heat may feel:

• Dizziness or fainting.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headache.
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat.
• Extreme thirst.
• Decreased urination.

Region of Waterloo Public Health recommends people drink plenty of liquids, especially water, and go in the shade to get out of the sun.

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, that's a medical emergency and 911 should be called. The person should be moved to a cool place, fan them and apply cold water to large areas of skin or clothing.

Don't leave people or pets in vehicles

Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly become hotter than the temperature outside and cracking a window does not help, police say in reminding people not to leave anyone in a vehicle.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service said on X, formerly Twitter, that in the past week, they've received six calls for pets left in vehicles.

"If you see an animal in a hot car in distress and are concerned the animal's life is in danger, call 911 immediately, as this is an emergency. Do not attempt to enter a vehicle in these situations," police said.

Local humane societies also remind pet owners to leave their animals at home during hot days.

Flisfeder says this is expected to just be the start of hot days in the region.

"It's going to be important to keep in mind, not just with this upcoming heat event but throughout the summer as a whole as we get into those warmer temperatures ... you want to stay safe while you enjoy the conditions," he said.

"Making sure you are avoiding strenuous activity as much as possible when we do get these heat events. Staying hydrated as best you can, drinking water before you start to feel thirst. Also important to have in mind somewhere where you can seek refuge from the heat and humidity, so preferably somewhere with air conditioning if possible. If not, at least a shady spot where you can get away from the heat outside."