Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for most of Ontario, including Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Orillia, Lagoon City, Washago, Innisfil, Angus, New Tecumseth and north Grey County.
The heat will arrive during the day Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs up to 33 C both days in most places. A hot and humid air mass from the Gulf of Mexico will affect most of southern Ontario from Tuesday through Thursday.
On Thursday temperatures are expected to remain above average, however, some areas could see some occasional relief because there is a possibility of showers or thunderstorms.
It could be difficult to sleep this week, as nights will be warm and muggy with overnight lows of just 20 to 23.
A somewhat cooler air mass is forecast to move in southern Ontario Thursday night.
Heat warnings will likely be issued Monday for most of Southern Ontario.
While the long, sunny days are drawing people to beaches and parks, paramedics are busier than usual, answering calls for heat related illnesses.
"Warmer weather brings people outdoors and more exposure-type incidents take place," said JC Gilbert, "Many of the signs and symptoms come on gradually such as sweating, thirst, sunburns- but the recovery is long and slow. They key is recognizing the signs, and taking action.
"Everyone gets busy, awareness of the signs and symptoms must take precedence."
He suggests paying attention to the signs of heat exposure, including sweating, thirst, reddening of the skin and fatigue. Also, remember to drink extra fluids and avoid long exposure to the heat.
"In the late stages we actually stop sweating and internal core temperatures rise to dangerous levels where system and organ damage can take place, including vomiting, loss of consciousness or seizures," he explained.
"Children and seniors have even less awareness of the affects from heat. Especially infants and toddlers whose internal temperature monitoring systems may not have completely developed. They may not even feel the effects until it’s become serious. Seniors also have a reduced ability to self-regulate, and underlying medical problems such as respiratory or cardiac conditions can amplify the situation greatly. Some medications can also exacerbate conditions when exposed to heat."
Anyone heading to the beach this summer, should be aware of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's beach posting page.
Beach water quality monitoring begins in June across the region and continues to the Labour Day weekend.
The Health Unit regularly samples beaches for bacteria. However, due to the delay in receiving lab results, beach goers cannot rely on only lab results to know if it is safe to swim.
A swimming advisory is a warning to swimmers but it is not a closure. During a swimming advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs when the water contains levels of bacteria that indicate there may be an increased risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and stomach disorders.
An advisory was issued on June 23 and remains in effect for MacKenzie Park Beach in Tay Township.
Anyone choosing to swim during an advisory should avoid ducking your head underwater or swallowing the water.
Beach closures are rare, and are issued when a catastrophic event occurs or an immediate risk to health is present, such as sewage spills or toxic chemical releases are examples.
Learn more and check for advisories here before heading to the beach.
