Heat Warning Notification for the City of Hamilton effective September 3, 2023

HAMILTON, ON – The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton has initiated a Heat Warning beginning on Sunday September 3, 2023.  Heat Warnings stay in effect until they are cancelled or escalated to an Extended Heat Warning.

Humidex values reaching 34 are expected for the next 3 to 5 days. A hot airmass is expected to affect the area beginning Sunday and persisting into Wednesday. Despite overnight temperatures being lower than warning criteria in some areas, humidex and daytime highs will be very atypical of early September. The passage of a cold front will bring an end to the heat on Wednesday.

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 pools will be free of charge.

Due to the Labour Day holiday on Monday, September 4, 2023 the following will be closed:

• All City-operated Recreation Centers will be closed with the exception of Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre and Westmount Recreation Centre, which will be operating as cooling centres. Hours of operation will be 11 am to 7 pm
• All Hamilton Public Library Branches are closed for Labour Day with the exception of the Central Branch which will open as a cooling centre on Monday, September 4 from 12 pm to 5 pm
• All Wading Pools closed for the season on August 25 except for Dundas Driving Park. Dundas Driving Park wading pool will be open regular hours 12 p.m to 7 pm with the final day of operation for the season on Labour Day.

All City of Hamilton outdoor pools will be closed for the season, as of Tuesday, September 5.

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 accessible throughout the heat warning, such as a common room with air conditioning.