Weather experts predict that southern Ontario will experience its first significant heat wave of the season early next week.
David Phillips, a Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada, mentions we should prepare for weather that’s going to be “hot, humid, muggy,” with humidex readings likely reaching near 40 degrees.
This is great news for families, as St. Catharines is set to open its three outdoor pools for the summer – Port Dalhousie, Lion Dunc Schooley and Lincoln Park pools – just days before the heat hits.
If the forecast holds true, lifeguards anticipate these pools will be quite busy.
“For heat alerts, anything over 31 degrees means we stay open one hour longer,” says Stacey, a lifeguard in St. Catharines.
“On extremely hot days where temperatures hit 35 to 40 degrees, we can have over a hundred people at a time sometimes. It gets crazy,” shares St. Catharines Lifeguard Liam Panici.
For many families, spending a day at the pool is one of the most budget-friendly ways to cool off.
It also gives parents a chance to keep their kids active without having to spend all day indoors running the air conditioner.
: 10th annual Welland Float Fest cancelled due to safety concerns
“I’m really happy that St. Catharines has something like this for us to swim in.”
According to Environment Canada, this upcoming period of heat won’t just be warm; the humidity will make it feel even hotter.
“In the Hamilton area it could be seven degrees warmer than normal [with a] high of 32 degrees, and typically at this time of year it’s about 25,” explains Phillips.
With warm overnight temperatures providing little relief, Phillips warns that the risk of heat-related illness can rise quickly-especially for young children, older adults and those without air conditioning.
After enduring a long and cold winter, some say they’re ready to welcome the warmth.
“I think the kids and I are pretty excited. Some hot weather would be really nice, especially with summer just starting and school out,” says Samantha Fielding, a resident of St. Catharines.
The Niagara region is also reminding folks that cooling centres will be available at selected community centres, libraries and city halls for anyone looking to escape from the heat.
By early next week, these pools may turn into more than just summer hangouts; they could become some of the coolest spots around!
WATCH MORE: Energy is high as local schools prepare for last day before summer break
Source link
