(Credit: City of London Facebook) Londoners are recommended to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the Extended Heat Warning.
With temperatures resting between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius and a Humidex making it feel closer to 40 and 45 degrees, London is set to hit one of its warmest weeks so far in 2024.
“This time of year, we’re starting to get into that heat and it’s important to take it seriously because it can be hazardous for some people,” says Operational Meteorologist with Environment Canada, Trudy Kidd.
A heat warning has been issued, with experts saying that will likely continue throughout the week. Overnight temperatures are not set to provide much relief either, with lows sitting between 26 and 30 degrees throughout the week with humidity.
“It’s important to dress for the hot weather,” says Kidd.
“Light colours, light materials, wear your hat, your sunscreen, your sunglasses, all that stuff.”
According to Environment Canada, temperatures throughout the week are expected to be:
- Monday: High 29 degrees Celsius, Humidex 37 degrees Celsius, Low 22 degrees Celsius
- Tuesday: High 32 degrees Celsius, Humidex 42 degrees Celsius, Low 23 degrees Celsius
- Wednesday: High 32 degrees Celsius, Humidex 41 degrees Celsius, Low 22 degrees Celsius
- Thursday: High 32 degrees Celsius, Humidex 41 degrees Celsius, Low 21 degrees Celsius
- Friday: High 30 degrees Celsius, Humidex 38 degrees Celsius, Low 21 degrees Celsius
Kidd says those who are most at risk include young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, as well as the homeless population in the city. She says it’s important to limit outdoor activities through the week, making sure to take time to cool off as well as drink plenty of water.
“If you don’t have air conditioning, see if you can check out a cooled building like a library or a community centre, a shopping centre. Those are great places to cool down as well.”
She says that the hot and humid conditions can impact everyone, with heat stroke being a major risk when temperatures get this high. Symptoms of heat stroke or heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion.
“You wish that you didn’t have to remind people but you do. Make sure you’re not leaving pets, children, elderly. Don’t leave anyone in the car.”
The City of London is also reminding Londoners that community cooling centres and supports are available for residents looking for relief from the heat, including splash pads, pools, and more.
