Cornwall, Ontario is baking under hot and sticky weather this Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to 31°C and the humidity making it feel more like 37°C. Environment Canada says this is well above the normal high of 26°C for this time of year.
The hot spell will be short lived though, as a shift in the weather pattern is expected to bring clouds and a 60 per cent chance of showers on Thursday. There is also a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. The high will drop to 28°C, but the humidex will still make it feel like 36°C.
Residents should also be aware of a very high UV index rating of 8. Environment Canada warns that at this level, unprotected skin can burn quickly, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Anyone heading outside is advised to seek shade, wear UV protective sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Southern Ontario regularly sees the country’s highest UV index numbers during the summer, and a rating of 8 means a very high risk of harm from the sun’s rays.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the trend is for cooler but unsettled weather. Friday will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a high of 28°C. Saturday brings a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 26°C, while Sunday is expected to clear up with sunshine and a high of 26°C.
The muggy start to the week comes as Canada experiences rising temperatures. The country is warming twice as fast as the global average, and experts predict many cities will see four times as many days above 30°C later this century. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated, find air conditioned spaces when possible, and keep an eye on local alerts for any heat warnings.
