On the first day of fall, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for most of southern Ontario, including all of the Kawarthas except for Haliburton.
Temperatures and humidity are expected to increase over the weekend under continued sunny skies, with maximum humidex values forecast to approach 40°C on both Saturday and Sunday.
The unseasonably warm temperatures and humidity are likely to persist into early next week.
Extreme heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.
To reduce your heat risk, schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. 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, and outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
Environment Canada issues heat warnings when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Peterborough Public Health has also issued a heat warning for the upcoming weekend. Although the health unit will resume beach water quality testing at Rogers Cove, Beavermead, and Lakefield Beach over the weekend, results won’t known until Monday and residents with children are advised that splash pads are the safer option for cooling down this weekend.
