Communities across Northumberland County and Quinte West are opening cooling centres and reminding residents to take precautions as what is expected to be the hottest day of the current heat event arrives Tuesday.
Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Heat Warning, with daytime highs forecast between 30 and 37 C and humidex values reaching 38 to 45. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain above 20 C, offering little relief through at least Wednesday or Thursday.
In Cobourg, residents can cool off at Victoria Hall, the Cobourg Public Library and the Cobourg Community Centre. Victoria Hall also provides refillable water bottle stations.
In Port Hope, municipal cooling centres include the Jack Burger Sports Complex, Town Park Recreation Centre, and the Mary J. Benson Branch of the Port Hope Public Library. During the heat warning, Port Hope Transit is also operating under its Heat Advisory Transit Accessibility Program, offering Pay What You Can fares for residents travelling to cooling centres, along with flexible boarding along existing transit routes.
In Brighton, residents can seek relief at the Brighton Public Library and King Edward Community Centre. The King Edward Park splash pad is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.
In Quinte West, the cooling centre at Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens in Trenton is open daily through Sunday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Splash pads in Trenton and Frankford are also open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Health officials encourage residents to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, wear light-coloured clothing and check regularly on seniors, neighbours and others who may be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, including confusion, loss of consciousness or a body temperature above 39 C, should call 9-1-1 immediately.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
