Heat dome over southwestern Ontario results in 'dangerous' conditions

Stretching from Atlantato Atlantic Canada, what's beingreferred to as a heat dome will be hovering over millions of North Americans during this week's heat wave, including those in southwestern Ontario.

Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says it will be "exceptional" and could end up being the warmest time of the entire summer possiblysetting records.

"It's like putting a lid over Windsor, and the air can't circulate," he said.

"It gets stale, and it just bakes and cooks, and temperatures get up there to really high values."

WATCH | What is a heat dome? A climatologist breaks it down:

What is a heat dome? A climatologist breaks it down

3 months ago

Duration 2:32

Dave Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada, explains what conditions create a heat dome and how 'oppressive and sultry' temperatures get locked in for days.

The weather agency saiddaytime highs across the Windsor region are expected to be 32 to 35 C, 40 to 45 with the humidex.

"It is a very dangerous situation because it's the first one of the year and people are not acclimatized to it," added Phillips.

"They haven't learned how to deal with this kind of warmish, hot, humid jungle kind of humidities."

He saidpeople need to take precautions and relearn how to keep cool under the heat wave.

Storms are possible because of the high humidity.

According to Phillips, the chance for unsettled weather remains for Monday and Tuesday in southwestern Ontario as the temperatures soar.

"There is weather under that dome or that lid and it's generally because of the fact that there is some humidity and there's the rising temperatures. There is a chance of showers with the thunderstorm today and tomorrow less during the rest of the week."

WATCH | Here's how these Windsorites faced the heat in May:

Here's how these Windsorites are facing the heat

4 months ago

Duration 1:49

An extended heat warning is in place in Windsor-Essex because of the expected temperatures.

The region's medical officer of health saidthe extreme heat puts everyone at risk no matter their age or medical condition.

"Warning signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness and confusion," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh in a statement.

He saidit's important to seek medical attention if you're experiencing any of those symptoms and check on friends, family and neighbours frequently.

Here are some other tips Aloosh offered in a news release:

• Monitor local weather forecasts and warnings regularly.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day.
• Do not leave children, adults, or pets in parked cars.
• If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly before the hot weather starts. Otherwise, find an air-conditioned spot close by, where you can cool off for a few hours during very hot days (e.g., local pool, library, recreational centre, mall). Call 211 for available options.

City suggests cooling options

The City of Windsor suggests people take advantage of its 11 splash pads, Sandpoint Beach when lifeguards are on duty from 1p.m. to 7 p.m., as well as visiting libraries and municipal customer care centres.

"Water filling stations and water fountains are also available to everyone in all City of Windsor recreation centres," city staff said in a statement.

The Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) at 400 Wyandotte St.E. is also available.