Heat warning issued for Hamilton, Burlington for looming ‘heat dome’

This week, a temperature spike is expected to push the humidex across Southern Ontario into the 40s, prompting multiple cities to issue a heat warning.

Both Hamilton and Burlington have issued heat warnings. These come whenever the forecasted temperatures are expected to exceed 31 C for two consecutive days or more.

“Dangerous hot and humid conditions are expected through most of the week,” the City of Hamilton said on Sunday. “Daytime highs are expected to be 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45.”

In Hamilton, all scheduled open swims at city-run indoor pools will be free of charge during the heat wave.

As part of Hamilton’s heat response plan, it will also operate several “cooling places” around town where residents can find respite from the increased temperatures.

For a complete list of air-conditioned spaces open to the public, click here.

The City of Burlington will also be operating several cooling spaces, for a list of those click here.

Senior Environment Canada climatologist David Phillips calls the phenomenon a “heat dome.”

He describes it as a large area of extreme heat that’s caused when the atmosphere traps hot air and slowly bakes it in place.

“There are clearly some health issues that people need to be aware of,” Phillips said, calling heat a “silent killer.”

During periods of extended heat, the city says residents should be wary of heat exhaustion and watch for signs of heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, fainting, and vomiting.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, dial 9-1-1 and try to get some shade.

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