With Thursday expected to be one of the hottest days of the current heat event, municipalities across Northumberland are reminding residents to take precautions and make use of cooling centres if needed.
Environment and Climate Change Canada continues its heat warning for the region, with daytime temperatures expected to reach the low-to-mid 30s and humidex values climbing into the mid-40s. Overnight temperatures have remained above 20 C, offering little relief, with cooler weather not expected until Saturday.
In Cobourg, temporary cooling centres remain available at Victoria Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Cobourg Public Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Cobourg Community Centre from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Port Hope continues to operate cooling centres at the Jack Burger Sports Complex, Town Park Recreation Centre and the Mary J. Benson Branch of the Port Hope Public Library during regular operating hours. The Municipality has also activated its new Heat Advisory Transit Accessibility Program for the duration of the heat warning. The program includes pay-what-you-can transit fares for residents travelling to escape the heat, safe flag-down boarding along existing transit routes where appropriate, and transportation to the nearest cooling centre for riders without a destination.
In Brighton, the Brighton Public Library is also serving as a cooling location today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The library has a water bottle filling station and drinking water available for visitors seeking relief from the heat.
Quinte West says the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton will be open daily through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and splash pads are open in Trenton and Frankford daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Health officials continue to urge residents to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Residents are also encouraged to check regularly on older adults, neighbours, young children and anyone with chronic medical conditions, and are reminded never to leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
The heat warning remains in effect through Friday, with conditions expected to improve beginning Saturday.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
