Southern Ontario sizzles with 40-degree humidex: Environment Canada

People across southern Ontario could be feeling the worst of the ongoing heat warning, Environment Canada saying it felt like 40 C with the humidex in some areas Friday. Many expect the situation to end tomorrow, but the heat has resulted in health advisories. Additionally, despite people seeking relief at the beach, heavy rain earlier this week has made swimming unsafe. In Hamilton, the city checks the water for E. coli throughout the summer and it says the water around confederation park is unsafe for swimming and they’re waiting for more results at other locations. A dip in the water with just their legs and feet is enough for beachgoers at Van Wagner’s Beach to deal with the hot and humid conditions. While dozens of people flood the shore of the east end beaches, the City of Hamilton says it’s testing the water quality, following days of hot weather and heavy rain. The City of Toronto issued a warning that four of its beaches are unsafe to swim Friday. “I know it rained a few days ago, and that usually stirs up the bacteria in the water, and normally you shouldn’t go in,” someone told CHCH News. Meanwhile across Hamilton, many were looking for some instant relief at the splash pads. Environment Canada says Friday’s big scorcher will feel like 40 C or higher with the humidex and it’s important for people to check the air quality. Hamilton officials extended a heat warning prompting a halt in outdoor recreational programming. But there was free admission to city pools. The city says it’s closed all but one of its public wading pools because its unable to maintain chlorine levels due to the extreme heat. Hamilton EMS’ David Thompson says heat-related calls have been coming in over the past few days. “Elderly patients, young children can be vulnerable, not realize they are heating up. And sometimes they cant take themselves out of that environment,” he said. Thompson says to monitor for things like dehydration and a lack of sweating, both signs of heat illnesses.

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