According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Tuesday will mark the peak of the ongoing heat event across Ontario, but the heat is not over. Some areas are expected to reach 37 C and increased humidex values will make it feel as hot as 45. Air quality warnings are in effect for much of the region. “The actual heat warning that we have, the yellow-orange warning, may end for Barrie tonight or tomorrow, but it doesn’t mean the end of the heat,” says ECCC climatologist Canada Dave Phillips. Phillips says the Barrie area has already had 12 days over 30 C this year and three nights over 20. In a normal year there are typically only seven night where the temperatures do not drop below 20 C. Cooling centres have reopened across the region to help people battle the heat, including at the Orillia Recreation Centre. “Everybody needs to understand their limits,” says Christine Wareing with the city of Orillia. “Make sure that (you’re) recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke and taking care of all those around (you) as well,” Wareing says. Phillips tells CTV News that even hotter days are on their way to Simcoe County in approximately two weeks.
