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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.