It may technically be spring, but it certainly feels like summer. The dead of summer.
Natalie Hasell, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says with Monday's daytime high reaching 31 degrees no records are being broken, but it's certainly unusual.
"Typically at this time of year, daytime highs are about 18 (degrees)," she says, adding night time temperatures are usually around plus four.
That's without a humidex, she says, given the percentage of humidity falls well below the temperature.
"It's really quite dry," Hasell says.
The combination of heat, dryness, and the calendar all contribute to some factors she'd like residents to pay attention to.
Health risks associated with the weather
Hasell says the early onset heat may catch some off guard—many people's bodies not having acclimatized.
"Three days of hot weather when one is not acclimatized could still lead to problems," she says. "Think about how you're feeling... and if you are feeling unwell at all, this would be a really good time to talk to your doctor."
The meteorologist reminds all are susceptible to heat, but there are some that may be more at risk.
Those groupings are older adults, infants, people with underlying conditions like heart issues and diabetes, people experiencing homelessness, those who work outside, as well as people on certain types of medications—including for mental health.
She encourages those who are unsure, to check in with their doctor or pharmacist to see how their medications may impact them in hot weather.
Exercising in this weather, without having a chance to "warm up" to it, may also put undue stress on athletes' bodies, Hasell warns.
Should someone start showing signs of heat-related illness—including high body temperature, confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness, flush without sweating, etc.—she says to try to cool them down.
"Apply cold water to large areas of the skin, fan that person as much as possible while you wait for medical authorities to show up," she says.
Hasell reminds not to leave people, or pets, in unattended vehicles.
Increased risks of fire
Hasell also reminds that current conditions are conducive to grass and wildland fires.
"There are fires, and there have been evacuations. The season has started," she says. It may not seem like this right time, but it's time to switch into a summer mindset and best fire safety practices.
That includes following fire bans and restrictions outlined by local and provincial authorities, she says.
For those that may be exposed to smoke associated with the season, she says to ensure air conditioning units have a good filter, and to keep inside where possible.
"The people who are at risk for smoke (related illness), overlap with the people who are at risk for heat (related illness)," Hasell says.
Looking at what's to come
While the last few days have been warm—Monday being the warmest, there is a cool shift on the way.
"We might get some showers, a little bit of convection (Monday night) into tomorrow (Tuesday) morning," she says.
While the weather cools down a little bit, she says another ridge will build itself up again and bring the region back into warmer temperatures, with Thursday expected to reach 28 degrees.
"So we've got a few of these systems going through—these waves of of hot and not so hot—but still above normal over the next little while," Hasell says.