Heat wave expected in Waterloo Region as first day of summer approaches

CTV’s Heather Senoran finds out what weather we can expect as we near the first day of summer.

People in Waterloo Region may want to prepare for some steamy temperatures as Environment Canada says this summer is expected to be a hot one.

The first official day of summer is coming up on Friday, but according to the meteorological office, temperatures in Waterloo on Tuesday reached the high 20s, feeling like the mid 30s with the humidex.

Rain is expected for a few days mid-week but by the weekend, that could change.

“By Sunday, there will likely be extreme heat events,” Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said. “For us, that means temperatures in the lower 30s.”

Flisfeder said people susceptible to heat-related illnesses should take the proper precautions.

“Limiting time and strenuous activity outdoors, making sure you’re drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, having a cool place during the day so you can rely on your body to regulate temperatures,” he recommended.

For anyone looking for some relief from the heat, the Region of Waterloo has a map of cooling centres throughout the region. Some cooling spaces are only available after Environment Canada issues a heat warning.

Environment Canada said it may be a hotter than normal summer this year in Waterloo Region.

“When we say above seasonal temperatures, that doesn’t necessarily mean that every day is going to be hot or that it’s going to be record breaking temperatures. What it means is that we look at our 30-year climatology records and when we average those three months as a whole, those temperatures will be above that 30-year normal,” said Flisfeder.