Our climate is changing, and our weather is becoming warmer, wetter and wilder. Heat events are becoming more frequent, longer and hotter in Burlington.
Heat events can affect everyone’s health. By taking the steps to prepare for heat events, we can make sure everyone has a safe and fun summer.
What is a Heat Warning?
Environment and Climate Change Canada will issue a Heat Warning when forecast temperatures are expected to be at least 31 degrees Celsius and overnight temperatures are above 20 degrees Celsius for two days, or the humidex is at least 40 for two days. Humidex describes how hot, humid weather feels to the average person and is calculated using temperatures and humidity readings.
Halton’s Medical Officer of Health will issue an Extended Heat Warning when forecast temperatures are expected to be at least 31 degrees Celsius and overnight temperatures are above 20 degrees Celsius for three days, or the humidex is at least 40 for three days.
Sign up for alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada by creating a EC Alert Me account or downloading the WeatherCAN app.
Preparing for Heat Events
Protecting you and your family from extreme heat starts before a Heat Warning is issued.
- If your home has an air conditioner, check that it is in working condition
- Install blinds or curtains over your windows to keep sunlight out during the day
- Get a thermometer to know when your home is getting too hot
- Think of friends and family who may be more affected by the heat. This may include people who live alone, with mental illness, chronic health conditions, a disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your regular medications increase your risk of heat-related illness and follow their recommendations
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness
Visit Halton Region’s Preparing for Heat Events page to learn more
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination or dark yellow urine
Contact a healthcare provider if you are unsure if you are experiencing mild or moderate heat-related illness. Severe heat illness and heat stroke are medical emergencies. Call 9-1-1 if you are caring for someone with signs and symptoms of severe heat-related illness.
During Heat Events
Make your home cooler:
- Make meals that do not require an oven
- Shut windows and close blinds or curtains to keep the sun out
Check in on friends and family who are more affected by the heat to encourage them to keep cool. Learn more about performing health checks during extreme heat
Protect your health:
- Drink lots of water before you start to feel thirsty
- Pay attention to the amount and colour of your urine
- Avoid direct sun exposure by wearing a hat and lightweight, light-coloured clothing
- Avoid intense physical activity and reschedule outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, such as mornings and evenings
Find cool community spaces:
- Seek cool, breezy outdoor areas, such as large parks with lots of trees
- Stay in the shade
- Visit air-conditioned indoor spaces like shopping centres or libraries
Cooling Centres and Recreation Water Facilities
During Heat Warnings and Extended Heat Warnings, the Burlington Public Library branches are official cooling centres. Pets may come inside with their owners to cool off in a designated area.
The City of Burlington has a variety of pools and splash pads for family fun and keeping cool.
Connection to Burlington’s Climate Plans
Did you know that the City of Burlington has three climate plans currently being implemented which address:
- Adapting for our warmer, wetter and wilder weather (Climate Resilient Burlington)
- Reducing emissions from the community with a goal to be net carbon neutral by 2050 (Burlington Climate Plan)
- Reducing emissions from our operations with a goal to be net carbon neutral by 2040 (Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan: 2024-2029)
For more information about Burlington’s climate plans, please visit burlington.ca/climatechange.
Take Action Burlington. By being aware of and preparing for the health impacts of our changing climate, we can keep our friends, family and community safe this summer. Collectively we can make a difference.
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