Halton Region Public Health has issued an Extended Heat Warning effective from 15 July, as Environment Canada predicts several days of sustained hot conditions across the region. The advisory follows criteria for prolonged high daytime temperatures and warm nights that increase the risk of heat-related illness.
What the warning means
An Extended Heat Warning is issued when:
- daytime temperatures are forecast to reach at least 31°C with overnight lows above 20°C for three or more days, or
- the humidex is expected to reach 40 for three or more days.
Public-health officials emphasise that extreme heat can affect anyone, but some groups are at greater risk, including older adults, people living alone, and those with respiratory, heart or kidney conditions or on medications that alter heat sensitivity.
“Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health.”
Practical steps for staying safe
The health unit has issued a set of precautionary measures. Residents are advised to:
- Drink water frequently, and before you feel thirsty, to maintain hydration;
- Keep living spaces cool by closing blinds or shades when the sun is on windows and opening windows only if the outside air is cooler than inside;
- Use cooling aids such as air conditioning or fans, or move to a cooler area of your home;
- Seek cool public spaces — libraries, community centres or shaded parks — if your home becomes too hot;
- Watch for early signs of heat exhaustion such as headache, nausea, dizziness, intense thirst, dark urine or extreme fatigue; stop activity and drink water if these occur.
When to seek emergency help
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone shows signs such as very hot, red skin, confusion, fainting or a change in consciousness, call 999 or your emergency health provider immediately. While waiting for help, try to cool the person by moving them to a shaded or cool place, removing excess clothing and applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
| Trigger | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Daytime temperature | 31°C+ |
| Overnight temperature | 20°C+ |
| Humidex | 40+ |
Officials also reminded residents to check on neighbours and relatives who may be especially vulnerable during prolonged heat, and to be mindful of the increasing frequency and intensity of heat events as the climate changes. For those unable to keep their homes cool, the health unit suggested moving to publicly available cooled spaces, though local opening times and locations will vary and should be checked with municipal services.
Halton residents are asked to heed the warning and adopt the recommended precautions to reduce risk through the period of sustained heat.
