Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has initiated a Heat Warning beginning on July 14, 2024.  Heat Warnings stay in effect until they are cancelled or escalated to an Extended Heat Warning.

A heat event is expected to begin on Sunday and may continue into Tuesday.

A hot and humid airmass will reach southern Ontario on Sunday. Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to be 29 to 31 degrees Celsius with humidex values near 40. There will be little relief at night as minimum temperatures are expected to be near 20 degrees Celsius. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category. A cooler airmass is expected to arrive Tuesday night.

The City of Hamilton and participating community agencies are responding to the heat by offering “cool places” to go during all stages of a heat event. These locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance.

As part of the heat response plan regularly scheduled Open Swims at all City of Hamilton indoor and outdoor pools will be free of charge. There are many spray pads, additional cool places, and outdoor pools across Hamilton. For more information visit www.hamilton.ca/heat

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. If experiencing symptoms, seek help right away – call 9-1-1 if needed.

Reduce your risk of heat-related illness by following these precautions:

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.
   
• Go to an air-conditioned place. Visit a designated cool place listed on www.hamilton.ca/heat
   
• 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 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 repellant as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Check labels to apply.
   
• Cool off. Take a cool bath or shower.
   
• Keep your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. 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.
   
• Landlords can help to decrease the risk of heat-related illness for tenants. Connect with tenants to determine if units have adequate cooling. If not, provide tenants with onsite access to a cool space.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

For information about the Heat Alert and Response System visit www.hamilton.ca/heat

For tips on coping with the heat and places to cool off visit www.hamilton.ca/heat or call 905-546-CITY (2489)

Information on how heat affects human health is available on the Health Canada website