Heat warning for Niagara as temps climb to mid-30s

Well, it’s a hot one (or two). The next couple of days are set to scorch Niagara Region as temperatures climb north of 30 degrees.

The mercury will rise to between 30 and 35 degrees celsius on June 21 and 22. However after some sweltering days, temperatures are set to fall in the evening the low 20s for a bit of relief.

The hot and humid air Niagara is set to see might lower the air quality to the point of “high risk” on the Air Quality Index. This will pose a greater risk to “young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors,” per Environment Canada.

All this heat and humidity carries the risk of a major thunderstorm tomorrow. The Weather Network predicts a 40 per cent chance of a strong thunderstorm as temperatures climb to 31 degrees, but which will feel closer to 41 degrees.

When it’s this hot it is never a get good idea to leave pets or people in the car. In humans hyperthermia (heatstroke) sets in when one’s internal temperature reaches 40.5 degrees, according to the Canada Safety Council.

At this point the people will go into shock and circulation to vital organs stops, eventually causing death.

A hot car can reach 50 degrees inside after a mere 20 minutes in the sun on a 35 degree day. After 40 minutes the car temperature soared to 65 degrees. Cracking the window did little to alleviate these temperatures.

However, cooler winds will prevail by Thursday with temperatures dropping to around 25 degrees.