File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / KzenonFile photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Kzenon
Sarnia

Relief from May heat by Friday, record high Tuesday

Relief from the first heat event of the season is expected by Friday.

A heat warning ended for Sarnia-Lambton just after midnight Thursday.

Environment Canada said a new record high temperature of 32 C, 90 F, was recorded Tuesday at Chris Hadfield Airport, snapping the previous mark for May 26 of 29.4 C set in 1965.

Humidex values will be in the mid-to-upper 30s again Wednesday and temperatures will continue to be above normal Thursday but it will be somewhat cooler with the chance of showers or thunderstorms.

The weather agency said a cold front will deliver considerably cooler and less humid air to southern Ontario on Friday, and unseasonably cool highs around 16 C, 61 F, are forecast for the weekend.

In the meantime, residents are reminded to limit their time outdoors, drink plenty of water and stay in a cool place.

Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said many of the area's regular cooling centres aren't available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The county is having some discussions as to what kinds of sites might be available," said Ranade. "Many of those sites that we would have had as normal operations are not normally operating."

Further information about heat-related illness and precautions can be found here.

Extreme heat affects everyone.

The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

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