Burlington, Ontario, is in for a warm and mostly sunny week, with Environment Canada forecasting temperatures climbing to 28°C by Friday, though residents should brace for a rainy Tuesday and a chance of showers on Wednesday.
Monday kicked off with sunny skies and a high of 25°C, but it’s the UV index that’s turning heads. According to Environment Canada, the UV index hit 9 on Monday, which is considered very high. That means sunburn can happen in as little as 10 to 15 minutes for fair skin without protection.
Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends limiting sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing UV-protective sunglasses, staying in the shade, and reapplying sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
The humidity will make it feel even hotter. Monday’s humidex reached 29, and Tuesday’s is forecast at 32. Friday’s feels-like temperature is expected to hit 30, so it will feel closer to 30°C during peak afternoon hours all week.
Tuesday will bring a change, with mainly cloudy skies and showers beginning early in the morning, along with a risk of thunderstorms and a high of 24°C. Wednesday offers a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of showers and a cooler high of 22°C. Then things clear up: Thursday is sunny at 26°C, and Friday is sunny at 28°C.
Lake Ontario is also calling. Water temperatures near Burlington are around 20.8°C, according to seatemperature.org, making for comfortable swimming without a wetsuit. Water levels remain above the long-term average but well below the record highs seen in 2017, as tracked by the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.
This weather is right in line with Burlington’s July norms, which typically see highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. At 10 a.m. on Monday, the Burlington Lift Bridge station recorded a temperature of 19.8°C, 59% humidity, and a light southwest wind at 9 km/h.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the The Weather Network is suggesting a 60 to 70 percent chance of showers returning Sunday and Monday, though Environment Canada’s current forecast is more conservative at a 30 percent chance for Sunday. Either way, enjoy the sun while it lasts.
