Heat wave expected to sweep over Atlantic Canada today
Posted Jul 7, 2010 05:19:01 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The heat wave that’s left people sweltering in parts of Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern U.S. is moving into Atlantic Canada today.
Scorching temperatures and sweltering humidity are blamed for two deaths south of the border and in Ottawa, the RCMP has cancelled its musical ride today and tomorrow because it’s unsafe for the horses to perform.
With temperatures that feel like more than 40 degrees Celsius, senior Environment Canada climatologist Dave Phillips says the heat wave in upper Canada is more tropical than the tropics.
“It’s a hot one, but hey, this is summer in Ontario and Quebec and we kind of expect it,” he said.
Unfortunately, News 95.7 meterologist Richard Zurawski says those conditions are headed this way, with highs expected to reach 28 degrees along the coast with a humidex approaching 40.
However, Zurawski says the ocean’s cooling effect will spare us from the full blast currently roasting Ontario and Quebec.
“The water does have a cooling effect generally,” he said. “So the sea breezes, coupled with the cooler temperatures, will make things much more bearable on the east coast than they were in central Canada.”
The UV index for HRM is set at 9, or very high for today, but the air quality index is at 3, which represents a low health risk. Nonetheless, anyone who has to work outdoors is advised to seek shade and drink as much water as possible.
The heat should break by the weekend.
