Hamilton under heat warning with outdoors expected to feel like 40 C

Hamilton's medical officer of health has put the city under a heat warning as it's expected to feel like a sweltering 40 C outside.

The city's press release says a heat event is expected to start today and run through Thursday with the temperature reaching up to 32 C and feeling close to 40 C with the humidex.

Overnight, it'll be as cool as 20 C.

Environment Canada says the same in its own heat warning for the city.

Some relief in the form of a cooler airmass may come Thursday night, says the city and the national weather agency.

The city says there will be spots around Hamilton for people to escape the heat, identified by "Cool Down Here" signs at the entrance of each space.

Regularly scheduled open swims at all City of Hamilton indoor and outdoor pools will be free of charge.

People can also use spray pads, additional cool places and outdoor pools across Hamilton.

The city says signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. Anyone with those symptoms should get help right away and call 911 if needed.

Wednesday and Thursday forecasts

CBC's Climate Dashboard states the daytime high of 32 C is some 5 C above the historic average.

The dashboard says Wednesday will see a mix of sun and cloud while the night will be partly cloudy with fog patches developing overnight and dissipating Thursday morning.

Thursday will be a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon and a risk of a thunderstorm. Thursday night will be cloudy.

Tips to stay cool

The city says some ways to reduce your risk of heat-related illness include:

• Landlords should connect with tenants to determine if units have adequate cooling. If not, provide tenants with onsite access to a cool space.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Go to an air-conditioned place.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don't forget sunscreen.
• Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day. If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with bugspray as mosquitoes are more active at such times.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Close your blinds or curtains and open windows to let air circulate when using a fan to try and keep your place cool.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles as temperatures in a car can become life-threatening within minutes.
• Check on neighbours and family.