Bracebridge is under a heat warning as a long stretch of hot and humid weather settles over the region this week. Environment Canada issued the yellow-level warning Monday afternoon, marking the first extreme heat event of the summer for the area.
The warning calls for daytime highs between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius through Friday, with humidex values making it feel more like 34 to 36. Overnight lows will only dip to 21 to 23 degrees, offering little relief. Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be the hottest days, with temperatures potentially reaching 34 degrees.
This heat wave is being driven by a heat dome from the eastern United States that has spread into the Great Lakes region. It arrives just as people are making plans for Canada Day on July 1. The forecast for Tuesday shows a high of 31 degrees and a humidex of 39, with similar conditions continuing through the holiday.
The Environment Canada alert notes that hot and humid air can also worsen air quality, with the Air Quality Health Index possibly approaching the high-risk category. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to stay safe in the heat.
Temperatures are expected to ease slightly by the weekend, with highs of 28 degrees on Saturday and 27 on Sunday. The normal high for this time of year in Bracebridge is around 25 degrees, making this week’s forecast six to eight degrees above average.
