The unofficial start of summer calls for sunglasses, and umbrellas

It's the May 2-4 long weekend and Hamiltonians are celebrating amid a forecast mixed with sun, rain and humid conditions.

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 23 C Friday but the humidex will make it feel like 31 C.

Saturday's high is expected to reach 28 C but will feel like a whopping 35 C with a UV index of 9, or very high.

Residents will want to remember sunscreen and note that 39 of the city's 67 spray pads are open Saturday. The day will begin with a steady temperature of 22 C, but a mix of sun and cloud could bring a 30 per cent chance of showers late in the afternoon. The national weather forecaster predicts there could even be a thunderstorm.

Sunday is also expected to be damp, with Environment Canada calling for rain all day. The high is projected to reach 19 C.

But sunshine beckons on Victoria Day, with 16 C predicted to be the daytime high Monday.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com