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Kitchener-Waterloo

How to survive the scorching heat this week, even without AC

Staying hydrated and making a plan for the hot days are some of the best ways to stay cool as the sweltering temperatures continue, experts say.

Kitchener-Waterloo headed for a high 33 C and a humidex of 41 Friday

CBC News ·
Children play in the water fountains at the Place des Arts in Montreal, Canada on a hot summer day July 3, 2018. (Photo by EVA HAMBACH / AFP) (Photo credit should read EVA HAMBACH/AFP/Getty Images)
Officials urge residents to find a cool spot, check on young people and elderly neighbours who are more susceptible to heat related illnesses. (Eva Hambach/AFP/Getty Images)

The Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas are under a heat warning Friday as the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-30s on Friday and Saturday with humidexes in the 40s.

With the high heat not expected to relent until later in the weekend, officials are warning residents to take precautions — even those who are used to working outside in warm temperatures.

"Heat is something that slowly affects you without you knowing," Environment Canada meteorologist Gerald Cheng told Morning Edition Host Craig Norris. "Take the break, stop yourself, stay hydrated [and] go into the shade."

Chuck Ferguson, with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said people should find a cool place to be during the day.

"Pay attention to the forecast, so you know when the hottest parts of the day are and have a plan for a place to cool off," he said. 

"It's the combination of the temperatures, humidity and being exposed to the UV rays, which you can still be exposed to when it's cloudy."

He also encouraged residents to check on young people and elderly neighbours who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph public health gave the following suggestions on their website: 

  • Stay out of the sun
  • At home, close awnings, curtains and blinds during the day to keep the sun out
  • Schedule strenuous outdoor activities for the early morning or evening hours
  • Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned places
  • Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight

The City of Kitchener is also urging residents to visit a "cooling centre" — one of several city facilities that have air conditioning and are free for people to get a reprieve from the heat in.

The list includes city hall, the public library and a number of pools and splash pads.

Temperatures are expected to cool just slightly on Sunday. Environment Canada forecasts a more seasonal high of 24 C.

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