Extreme heat warning issued for Niagara Region

Environment Canada has issued an extreme heat warning for Niagara, saying the region can expect hot and humid conditions today (July 19) and tomorrow.

The weather agency issues heat alerts using the following guidelines:

• A humidex is 40°C or higher for two consecutive days, or
• A daily temperature is expected to reach 31°C or higher and overnight temperatures are at least 20°C or higher, for two consecutive days.

So the criteria is being met in Niagara. Today in St. Catharines, Environment Canada is calling for “a mix of sun and cloud with 40 per cent chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm. High 31C. Humidex 42C.” Tonight, the city will only see a low of 24C.

Tomorrow, they are calling for “sunny. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. High 32C. Humidex 41C.

The good news is there will be slightly cooler temperatures are expected on Thursday, dropping to 28C for two days while the weekend is forecast for two days of 27C highs.

Environment Canada added, “You’re also advised to keep an eye out for the effect of heat illness, which include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.”

Check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially those at high-risk of heat stroke and other medical emergencies, as well as never leaving children or pets alone in a parked car.

Meanwhile in Niagara Falls, the city has opened five cooling centres:

• City Hall, 4310 Queen Street
  • Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Gale Centre, 5152 Thorold Stone Road
  • Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road
  • Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Niagara Falls History Museum, 5810 Ferry Street
  • Open Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*  Niagara Falls Library – All branch locations

As well, all city splash pads and pools are open until 7 pm. They are:

• MacBain Community Centre Park, 7150 Montrose Road
• Chippawa Lions Park, 3970 Welland Street
• Prince Charles Park, 8965 Willoughby Drive
• FH Leslie Park, 5250 Valley Way
• EE Mitchelson Park, 3750 Springdale Avenue
• Niagara Falls Lions Park, 6320 Arad Street
• Patrick Cummings Park, 8965 Willoughby Drive
• Buck Hinsperger Pool, 3970 Welland Street
• E.E. Mitchelson Pool, 3800 Springdale Avenue
• F.H. Leslie Pool, 5250 Valley Way
• Lions Pool, 4981 Drummond Road
• Prince Charles Pool – 6320 Arad Street