Rain, clouds to ease heat misery

Temperatures are expected to reach highs in the 30’s again today – but humidex values won’t be as intense.

An extreme heat alert has not yet been issued for Hamilton today. Public health officials said that every municipality is different and they are monitoring the temperature and waiting for the humidex hit 40 degrees before issuing a health statement.

A statement is possible since we are expected to experience the hottest day of the week with temperatures climbing to 32 degrees before humidity. Halton and Niagara region did issue heat alerts.

CHCH News spoke with a platoon chief with Hamilton Fire department who reported receiving a lot of medical calls yesterday, with many cases of people fainting or suffering from heat exhuastion. The firefighters themselves had to monitor their own safety because after one or two calls, they are sweating heavily.

Public health officers are recommending people continue to drink water, stay in an air conditioned place, if you are outside, stay in the shade, use an umbrella and try to wear loose, light coloured and breathable clothing. Take cold showers, baths and use cool wet towels to pat yourself. Keep drapes closed, and try not to cook anything that uses an oven, especially if you don’t have air conditioning.

Be somewhat greatful on the temperatures we are receiving today. It will be nowhere near the 41.4 degrees the city of Hamilton experienced back in July of 1936. That was the hottest day ever – and that doesn’t even include the humidity.