Sticky hot in Hamilton Wednesday as heat warning remains in effect

Heat and humidity are expected to ramp up today but that's not what should concern you.

Hamilton's heat warning remains in effect Wednesday, June 10, with the humidex making it feel close to 40 C.

With the heat warning comes a rare extreme high UV rating of 11. According to Environment Canada, a UV index reading of 11 or more is rare in Canada and means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The national weather service is calling for hot and humid temperatures and a 30 per cent chance of showers and risk of thunderstorm Wednesday afternoon. Winds from the southwest will pick up to 30 km/h, gusting to 50 in the morning. The daytime high should reach 31 degrees, feeling like 39, by late afternoon. The weather service also reports the highest recorded temperature for June 10 is 31.3 C set in 2005.

Environment Canada says as Tropical Depression Cristobal sweeps toward Ontario on Wednesday night, the temperature should drop. Hamilton could see 15 to 25 mm of rain overnight. Thursday's daytime high is expected to be 21. The normal temperature for this time of year is 24.

A quick look ahead to the weekend weather suggests sunny skies and daytime highs of 18 to 20.

A heat warning - which started Tuesday - was initiated by the City of Hamilton in a news release after 5 p.m. on Monday. Heat warnings stay in effect until they are cancelled or escalated to an extended heat warning. With the warning comes the opening of cooling locations throughout the city, which can be identified by a Cool Down Here" sign at the entrance. Hamilton's splash pads and pools remain closed in Hamilton as we remain in Stage 1 of the provincial emergency lockdown. For more information, visit hamilton.ca/heat.

The weather agency warns that, though hot weather affects everyone, the risk of extreme heat is greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Also, people and pets should never be left inside of vehicles.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com