A yellow heat warning is in effect for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island in Ontario as a stretch of hot and humid weather settles over the region through late Tuesday. Environment Canada issued the warning early Monday afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 29 to 34 degrees Celsius in the coming days, with overnight lows only dipping to 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. Humidex values, which measure how hot it feels, are forecast to hit 36 to 38. The worst of the heat is likely during Monday and Tuesday afternoons.
The muggy conditions could also worsen air quality, possibly driving the Air Quality Health Index close to the high-risk level. That means even people who are usually healthy may feel the effects if they spend too much time outside.
Environment Canada warns the combination of heat and humidity raises the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. They recommend drinking plenty of water, staying in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest hours, and checking in on older neighbours or those who live alone.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie has set up cooling spots where anyone without air conditioning can cool off. These locations include libraries, community centres, parks, and pools. Algoma Public Health also offers tips for staying safe in extreme heat.
The heat warning follows a similar hot spell that hit the city just a couple of weeks ago. Environment Canada says conditions should improve by Tuesday evening, but until then, residents are urged to take the heat seriously.
