Heat warnings in effect across southern Ontario

A kid runs through water at the Breithaupt Park Splash Pad in Kitchener. (Colton Wiens/CTV Kitchener) (Aug. 7, 2022)

A potentially dangerous heatwave is expected to hit a large swatch of southern Ontario.

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings as the first significant heat event of the season is expected to get underway Sunday afternoon and continue into the week.

According to a release from the weather office, daytime highs will reach 33 to 36 degrees Celsius, but feel closer to 42 or 46 with the humidity.

There won’t be much relief at night either as overnight lows will hover between 22 and 25.

A cold front is expected to push through Waterloo Region late Tuesday, but Environment Canada warns it is not clear how far south the front will reach. If it misses the region, the heat could continue into Wednesday.

Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.

Heat stroke can include red, hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and a change in consciousness. Anyone experiencing heat stroke should call 911 immediately and seek medical help.

A list of cooling centres, pools and splashpads is available online to help keep residents cool until the heat dissipates.