Amherstburg residents have faced the first significant heat event of the season this week, with Environment Canada issuing a heat warning that remained in effect through Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Temperatures climbed to approximately 10 degrees above the seasonal average of 22°C, bringing daytime highs of 30 to 32°C and humidex values between 36 and 38.
While the current heat wave brought unseasonably warm weather to the region, it did not fully meet the criteria for a formal heat warning established by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. That criteria requires two consecutive days with daytime highs at or above 31°C and overnight lows at or above 21°C, or humidex values exceeding 42°C.
As of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, the automated weather station at Harrow AAFC recorded a temperature of 28.9°C with a humidex of 36. Shortly after, the weather conditions shifted significantly when the federal weather agency issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area. Meteorologists tracked a line of storms moving east at 70 km/h, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h and quarter-sized hail.
Experts note that although this early-season heat may feel unusual, it aligns with broader climate observations in southern Ontario. Robert McLeman, a professor of environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, observed that while frost is still common in the region during May, winters are trending toward being shorter and milder, which can lead to a more compacted springtime.
