Waterloo is set for a warm and humid week with temperatures reaching 28°C and humidex values climbing to 34 on Tuesday, according to Environment Canada. No weather alerts are in effect, but residents should take care in the sun as the UV index is forecast to be very high at 9 on both Monday and Tuesday.
Tuesday will feel especially muggy as humidity pushes the humidex to 34. While that is well below the threshold for a heat warning, which requires a humidex of 40 for at least two days, it will still be uncomfortable for many. The normal high for this time of year is 26°C, so this week’s temperatures are running slightly above average.
With the UV index at 9, Environment Canada advises limiting time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Shade is also recommended during peak hours to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Some relief from the dry heat may arrive Thursday, when there is a 40 per cent chance of showers and a high around 27°C. Friday brings a 30 per cent chance of showers and a cooler high of 25°C, before skies clear for a sunny weekend.
The Region of Waterloo reminds residents that extreme heat can affect anyone’s health and be life-threatening. The region expects to see more high-temperature days in the coming years due to climate change, after last summer was the fourth-hottest on record with 34 days above 30°C.
