Hot, humid days are ahead in the coming heatwave

People keeping cool at Centennial Beach in Barrie, Ont. on Mon., June.17, 2024. (Rob Cooper/CTV News).

Environment Canada is calling for a prolonged heatwave.

Right across central Ontario, from Barrie to Collingwood to Owen Sound to Huntsville and Parry Sound, temperatures are expected to reach 32 Celsius today, with a Humidex of 40.

Environment Canada suggests we’ll likely see this weather for at least the next few days.

“We will have more days above 30 this week than we had all of last June, July and August,” says Dave Phillips with Environment Canada.

Environment Canada said to be prepared for a hot and dry summer.

“July and August are warmer than June on average, so this is just the beginning, and so get used to it,” says Phillips.

On Monday, several cooling centres were opened around the region from Orillia to Barrie to Collingwood.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit warns people of the dangers on these hot days.

“Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty; if you are thirsty at that point, your body is already becoming dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and cool off by taking a shower,” says Ramien Sereshk with the Simcoe Muskoka district health unit.

There will be little relief overnight as lows are expected to be 18 to 23, with humidex values of 26 to 30. Temperatures and humidex values may be several degrees cooler near the shores of the Great Lakes.