Heat Wave Sweeps Through London, Ontario

A heat wave currently affecting much of Ontario is pushing temperatures in London close to record highs.

This Tuesday is predicted to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures soaring to 35 C and a humidex hitting 43 C, according to Environment Canada.

The highest temperature recorded in London on July 14 was 36.1 C back in 1936. While that record might not be broken on Tuesday, it’s still very close, said Peter Kimbell, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.

Kimbell noted that London has been experiencing above-average heat this July. The average temperature so far this month stands at 24.5 C, compared to the typical mean temperature for July in London of 21 C.

The warm weather is expected to persist throughout the week, with highs of 33 C on Wednesday and dropping slightly to 29 C on Thursday.

Residents across southwestern Ontario, including those in London, may also notice hazy skies Tuesday night into Wednesday due to smoke from wildfires located in northwestern Ontario.

Londoners Find Ways to Stay Cool

Nine-year-old cousins Harrison and Quinton Leitch are preparing for a bike ride at Gibbons Park in London and know it’s going to be quite sweaty.

“I know that I’m going to sweat a lot because you have to push the pedals up and down and it’s so hot,” said Harrison.

“Drink lots of water and I think also, if you’re out for a long time, pour water on your head, that’s always refreshing.”

Sue Birtch and her grandkids, Angeles and Ace, are cooling off at the splash pad in Gibbons Park during a heatwave in London, Ont. (Jessica Singer/CBC)

Sue Birtch took her two grandkids over to the splash pad for some relief from the heat. She mentioned how hard it can be to stay active or take walks when it’s extremely hot outside but finding shade or exercising during cooler times helps a lot.

“It just feels like you’re walking into an oven again,” said Birtch. “Seems like a bit of a brick wall of heat for sure.”

Phil and Linda Stiers agree that staying active during these hot days is challenging. Phil usually aims for two-and-a-half hours of walking each day but finds himself limited to just half an hour when it gets too warm out.

“The heat does drag me down faster,” he said.

“If you’re out too long and you’re sweaty and that, you just want to go home,” said Linda.

Phil and Linda Stiers say their daily walks have been cut short because of the heat. (Jessica Singer/CBC)

Michelle and Anthony Luminoso don’t mind the warm weather at all. They moved their family from Florida to London back in 2015 but understand how high temperatures can affect people’s moods-especially kids’ patience levels.

“They do not tolerate it well,” said Luminoso about her three kids.

“They complain and they say they’re hot and they say they’re thirsty and they don’t want to be outside which is what we want to do in summer. We want them outdoors because we don’t get much time for that.”

Gayle Day enjoys the warmth as well but feels fortunate enough having access to a pool along with air conditioning at home. Her tip? Try finding shade whenever possible while avoiding strenuous activities during peak sun hours.

Kimbell suggested that residents should check on vulnerable individuals during these heat waves; this includes seniors, homeless individuals as well as those without air conditioning systems available at home.

“Watch for early signs of heat exhaustion and if possible stay indoors while drinking plenty of water.”

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