A senior climatologist with Environment Canada said high temperatures, brought on by a dome that works like a large stadium over top of the area, are expected to last through Wednesday with no relief at night either.
Dave Phillips said the weather service has deemed the conditions ‘dangerous’ because of the intensity of the heat and also the fact that it’s the first one of the summer, so people are adjusting to the conditions.
“It’ like a dome of heat. Like putting the Rogers Centre over eastern North America. And the air just sinks. It’s a high pressure area, the air sinks, it evaporates. And it’s just gets hot. There is not relief.”
With humidex factored in, temperatures in the city are soaring into the mid-40’s.
Huron Perth Public Health encourages residents to be prepared and to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The risks are greatest for older individuals as well as infants and young children.
The city of Stratford has opened a cooling centre at the Rotary Complex until at least Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., with water available.
The city said Stratford Public Library is also available as a cool spot, splash pads are open 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and there are free public swims at the Lions Pool this week.
