Spring heatwave: Windsor-Essex gets blast of summer to start week

It’s not quite summer yet, but it will feel like it in Windsor-Essex this week as temperatures soar.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region due to the hot and humid air to start the week.

It is expected to be sunny on Monday, with wind to the south gusting to 50km/hr early in the morning and a high of 32C. It will feel more like 38C with the humidex.

Monday will be clear with wind becoming light after midnight and a low 21C.Heat warning for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has also issued a heat warning for the next two days.

“It's not just the daytime highs that cause problems, but it's really the nighttime lows.” Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Gerald Cheng said Monday.

“When temperatures stay elevated during nighttime, then people have a hard time recovering from the heat of the day. So certainly, this is a duration issue and it's going to last two days and that's why there are heat warnings out.”

Above average summer temperatures are anticipated for June, July and August according to Cheng.

“We don't expect temperatures to always stay above normal. There will be ups and downs but taking the average for the next three months, it looks like we will come out above normal,” Cheng said. “But having said that, don't be surprised that there are some cooler days than normal too so certainly be prepared for anything because it is the weather after all, and it can change.”

When it's hot, health officials say everyone is affected.

“Everyone is at risk," says Amandeep Hans, a health promotion specialist at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

“Heat warnings are issued when the daytime temperatures are expected to reach 31 degrees or greater and the nighttime temperatures are expected to reach 21 degrees for a minimum of two days,” said Hans, “or when the humidity is 42 degrees for two days.”

Hans encourages people to check in on others, especially seniors and the vulnerable. “Drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty,” Hans explained. “Especially for people who are working outdoors or doing outdoor activities.”

Hans also warned against leaving children or animals inside vehicles.

“The temperature inside the car increases very fast and heat exhaustion or heatstroke can happen,” Hans said. 

Officials say heat-related illnesses are preventable and happen when temperatures are high for a number of days.

Tips residents can do to prevent heat-related illness includes:

• Drink plenty of water
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day
• Protect your skin with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses
• Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars
• Arrange for regular visits by family members, neighbours or friends during very hot days in case you need assistance
• Learn about ways to keep your home cool during the summer (e.g., keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home)
• If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly before the hot weather starts. Otherwise, find an air-conditioned spot close by, where you can cool off for a few hours during very hot days (e.g., local pool, library, recreational centre, mall). Call 211 for available options. (NOTICE: Access to facilities listed here may be unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

For a list of community centres, public libraries, pools, and splash pads to stay cool, call 2-1-1 (alternate 519-258-0247) to confirm if these facilities are open. However, access to facilities listed may be unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Here’s the forecast for the next several days:

• Tuesday will be sunny with southwest wind gusting to 50km/h. High 33C and will feel like 38 again with the humidex 38.
• A mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers on Wednesday with a high 25C.
• Thursday we'll have a mix of sun and cloud as well with a high 23C.
• Sunny on Friday with a high 24C.