More Heat Expected this Summer

Thursday, 20 June 2024 11:09

The heat warning should end this weekend, but Environment Canada is predicting above seasonal temperatures for the summer.

OXFORD COUNTY - It looks like there could be an end to the heat wave in sight.

Steven Flisfeder, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, expects the heat warning will be called off on Saturday or Sunday because the conditions will no longer meet the criteria.

Environment Canada issues a heat warning in southern Ontario whenever we have at least two consecutive days with daytime highs over 31 and overnight lows of at least 20. A heat warning is also issued whenever we have two back-to-back days with a humidex of 40.

That being said, Flisfeder says it could still be hot and humid over the weekend, even if the heat warning is called off.

"Right now the forecast for Saturday is a temperature of 29 with a low of 20, so right on the edge of that criteria so that's why it might continue through Saturday. Sunday should be slightly cooler with 28 in the forecast right now but with an overnight low of 16. So that 16 overnight Sunday into Monday is really where you'll start to finally get a break from those hot and humid conditions."

We've been experiencing daytime highs between 30 and 34 over the past few days, feeling more like the low 40s with the humidity. We've also had little relief from the heat overnight with lows between 20 and 23, feeling like the high 20s.

With today being the first official day of summer, Flisfeder has some good news for those who enjoy the hot weather.

"Our forecast for the summer is above seasonal temperatures on average. It's not to say that we're going to have every week like the week we've just experienced, with temperatures in the low to mid-30s and humidex in the 40s, but it will be on average warmer than normal."

He says 25 is the average daytime high for late June, but it could feel more like the high 20s or low 30s with the humidity.

Flisfeder recommends drinking lots of water and staying in a cool place whenever possible whenever it's hot outside. He also recommends checking in on your loved ones who might be vulnerable to the heat.