Extreme Heat
Looking for a place to cool down? Use the ClimateSafe Map to find cooling and clean air spaces, drinking water fountains, splash pads and pools across Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.
The combination of high heat, high humidity, poor air quality and exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be hazardous to your health. It’s important to prepare for hot weather to help prevent heat-related illness and death.
What can you do to protect yourself and others from extreme heat?
Prepare ahead of time by checking for heat warnings. Before heading outside, check:
- Local weather forecasts
- Environment and Climate Change Canada weather alerts
- Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) conditions
- Wildfire smoke and air quality advisories
Download the WeatherCAN app to get local warnings issued by Environment Canada.
Environment and Climate Change Canada may issue Special Weather Statements or Heat Warnings when heat is expected to pose a risk to health. Heat warning alerts now include a colour-coded banner:
| Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Heat may cause moderate, localized or short-term health impacts. People at higher risk should take extra precautions. |
| Orange | Severe heat is likely to cause significant health impacts. Impacts may be more widespread, affect daily activities or last several days. |
| Red | Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening heat is expected. Serious and widespread health impacts are possible, and urgent protective actions may be needed. |
Always read the full weather alert. It includes information about timing, location, expected impacts and actions you can take to stay safe.
Heat-related illness can range from mild symptoms to medical emergencies. Know and look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, drink water and rest. Symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Symptoms may include:
- High body temperature
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Hot, red skin
- Lack of sweating
- Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
- Create ways to remind yourself to drink water. Remind others to stay hydrated.
- Carry a reusable water bottle when outdoors.Increase your fluid intake during hot weather and physical activity.
- Use the ClimateSafe Map to locate drinking water fountains and refill stations.
Water is the best choice for staying hydrated.
Limit heat exposure:
- Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible
- Visit a public space to cool off:
- a pool or splash pad
- air-conditioned places like a recreational facility, library, grocery store or mall
- cooling spaces can be found on our ClimateSafe map
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat made of breathable fabric.
- Apply cold water to skin using a damp or wet towel.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Re-schedule activities to a different day or a cooler time of day, such as morning or evening. Bring water and a hat if you go out.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities or reschedule them for the early morning or evening hours. Stay hydrated.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Avoid sun exposure and seek shade when outdoors. Tree-shaded areas can be as much as 5°C cooler than the surrounding area.
Visit Health Canada’s resource on How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat for more tips.
Keep your home cool:
- At home, close awnings, curtains and blinds during the day to keep the sun out.
- Make meals that do not use the oven.
- In the evening or at night, if safe, open windows to cool your home.
For more tips on keeping your home cool, visit:
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, including:
- Older adults
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Outdoor workers
- People without access to air conditioning
- People experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
- People who are socially isolated
Call neighbours, friends and family, especially isolated older adults, to make sure they’re cool and remind them to stay hydrated.
Use the Health checks during extreme heat events guide (available in multiple languages) to know who is at most risk, how to recognize heat-related illness and what to do in risky situations.
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