Hamilton, Brantford, Niagara and Burlington under heat warning, offer 'cool places' to escape the heat

Environment Canada says the heat wave is expected to last until Thursday

The City of Hamilton has issued a heat warning beginning Monday that's expected to last multiple days and is offering cooling spaces for people to go throughout the city to avoid the high temperatures.

Environment Canada issued a yellow heat warning for most of Southern Ontario this week, with temperatures ranging between 30 and 37 C, and humidex values making it feel like anywhere from 38 to 45 C.

GTA under yellow heat warning, temperatures to peak near 37 C Tuesday, forecast says

Temperatures are expected to peak Tuesday near 37 C, with high heat lasting through Wednesday or Thursday evening, the federal weather agency said.

On Monday morning, the city's Medical Officer of Health initiated a heat warning for the city, stating the municipality and participating community agencies will be offering "cooling places" for people to go to during the heat event.

In a release, the city said these locations can be identified by a “Cool Down Here” sign at the entrance and a list of designated cooling spaces can be found on the city's website.

The city will also offer all regularly scheduled open swims at the city's indoor and outdoor pools free of charge throughout the heat event, the release said.

Brantford, Niagara, Burlington offer cooling stations

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for several other municipalities throughout the region.

In Brantford, the city is providing cooling stations at its public libraries, the Lynden Park Mall and Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. A full list of cooling stations, public pools and splashpads is available on the city's website.

Anyone in Brantford in need of emergency shelter during the heat event is encouraged to contact SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake Services. SOAR also offers a cooling centre at their 73 Murray Street for up to 10 people.

Temporary cooling spaces will also be available at Rosewood House for men and women at 42 Nelson Street and the Salvation Army Booth Centre for men at 187 Dalhousie Street.

The City of Niagara Falls will be operating cooling stations at the Gale Centre at 5152 Thorold Stone Road from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and all public library locations. People can also visit the MacBain Community Centre at 7150 Montrose Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get relief from the heat.

In Burlington, residents can visit cooling centres at public libraries throughout the city. A full list of locations and hours is posted on the city's website.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion

The city is urging people to take steps to keep cool this week and to watch for any signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, fainting and vomiting.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should get help right away and is encouraged to call 911 if needed.

To avoid heat-related illness, the city recommends people drink lots of water and wear hats, sunscreen and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to keep cool. Limiting physical activity outdoors and keeping your living space cool by closing blinds or curtains is also recommended during the day when temperatures are at their peak, the release said.

People are reminded to never leave children or pets in closed vehicles, especially during heat events and the city asks residents to check on their neighbours and loved ones to make sure they have access to cool spaces if needed.

Brittany Spencer is a multi-platform reporter and producer based in Hamilton. She's previously worked with CBC in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick covering politics, health care and the justice system. She's a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's journalism program and joined CBC in 2017. You can reach her at brittany.spencer@cbc.ca.

With files from The Canadian Press