Heat warning issued by public health
Another scorcher expected on Friday but rain will cool things off before heat continues
Peterborough Public Health and Environment Canada have both issued heat warnings with temperatures reaching as high as 35 C and humidex levels of up to 40 C expected over the weekend in the Peterborough area.
Thursday’s high temperature reached 33.2 C at the Peterborough Airport as of 4 p.m. and felt more like 40 C with the humidity, according to Environment Canada.
It was far from an all-time record for July 2 in Peterborough though. The high reached 37.8 C in 1931 and the humidex reached 42 C in 2002, according to Environment Canada records.
Early Friday morning’s low temperature was only expected to reach 20 C.
Environment Canada is forecasting a high of 32 C on Friday, feeling more like 35 C with the humidex. Some showers are expected by Friday afternoon or evening, cooling this down to an overnight low of 16 C. A high of 30 C is expected Saturday followed by an overnight low of 15 C and then a high of 31 C on Sunday.
The high heat is expected to persist into next week, with highs of 30 C Monday, 31 C Tuesday and 30 C Wednesday.
Normal temperatures for this time of year in Peterborough are a high of 26 C and a low of 13 C.
Similar Environment Canada heat warnings are in effect for parts of southwestern Ontario, The Golden Horseshoe and parts of eastern Ontario.
“Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the air quality health index to approach the high risk category,” Environment Canada’s heat warning states.
“Extreme heat affects everyone. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
“Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.”
Refillable water bottles and bottled water are being distributed by One Roof through its community meal program and at: Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.; Eastgate Memorial Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.; Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr. Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., during its curbside pickup hours Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
In addition to the water refill stations, the tap water in public washrooms at municipal parks, including King Edward Park and Millennium Park, is from the city’s normal water supply, according to Peterborough Public Health.