MLHU issues single-day heat alert as Londoners try to stay cool
Thanks to temperatures soaring into the 30s, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has issued a one-day heat alert for Monday.
The forecast was calling for a high of 31C, but with the humidex, it was expected to feel like 35.
"It’s always a good day to eat ice cream but especially today,” says Lori Urquhart, who grabbed a scoop at the London Ice Cream Company.
The sweltering temperatures had many Londoners swarming to the splash pads at Gibbons Park, “Because it’s a hot day!” says six-year-old Matea.
Matea’s mom, Courtney Morris, was happy to let her three children cool off from the heat.
“We were almost up the hill to go back (home) and my daughter said, I am so hot! So we turned back around and let them run in the splash pads.”
But it’s not just heat that residents have to manage, Monday evening.
"Monday, it was really thick and it looked really really hazy,” says Patricia Beyea.
Last week the region experienced a number of smog days caused by the forest fires in Northern Ontario.
CTV News London Meteorologist Julie Atchison says the smoke from the forest fires is expected to trickle into the region.
“Heading into (Monday) night there is smoke in the forecast so that means the lower level winds, we are expecting that smoke filter down from Northern Ontario…The good news is I am not expecting our air quality to drop to poor. Our air quality will stay moderate, right now it is good. Heading into tonight we could briefly see those numbers go up just a bit.”
Atchison says the smog is expected to taper off by morning.
Randy Walker, public health inspector with the MLHU says the combination of heat and smoke could cause potential complications for those living with respiratory issues.
“Not only are you subject to the risks associated with high temperatures, but you are subject to the ability to appropriately respirate, so complications are abundant.”
He suggests finding a cool place indoors - away from dust and other pollutants.
“If you can keep those (out)…and keep cool, not only are you going to get comfort from the heat but you’ll get comfort from the air.”
Tuesday it is expected to cool off slightly, with showers and a daytime high of 28.
Here are some tips to cope with the heat:
- Monitor local weather forecasts and warnings regularly
- 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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.