How to keep cool in Waterloo region this hot holiday weekend

This Canada Day long weekend is going to be hot, says Environment Canada: Temperatures are going to feellike it's in the mid 40s.

"An air mass coming from the Gulf of Mexico is importing a lot humidity and a lot of heat and that is why we are experiencing this extreme heat this weekend," said Gerald Cheng,meteologist with EnvironementCanada.

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The forecasts calls for temperatures to reach low to mid-30sCelsius this weekendbut with the humidity, it will feel more like in the mid 40s.

Communities around the region have set up cooling centres to provide relief for people without air conditioning, or who may be experiencing overheating while outside.

Overnight, the temperaturewill only fall to the low to mid 20s.

How to stay safe in the heat

Chris Komorowski,manager of health protection and investigation for Waterloo Region public health, says one of the most important things to do is stay hydrated.

Taking breaks and going into cool areas frequently are good ways to prevent heat related illnesses.

Wearing light, loose clothing, a hat and sunscreen will also help reduce the risk of heat related problems.

"It's really important to get relief from the heat," Komorowski said. "Drinking water is the best. Do it before you get thirsty."

He adds that it's important to check up on elderly friends, relations and neighbours, and to keep an eye on children over the hot holiday weekend.

If someone is experiencing a heat stroke, Komorowski says to call 911 and get the person into a cool area, or try to bring their body temperature down by using cloths dampened with cool water.

Cooling centres in Kitchener

• Activa Sportsplex-135 Lennox Lewis Way
• Breithaupt Centre - 350 Margaret Ave.
• Bridgeport Community Centre - 20 Tyson Dr.
• Centreville Chicopee Community Centre - 141 Morgan Ave.
• Chandler Mowat Community Centr-222 Chandler Dr.
• Country Hills Community Centre - 100 Rittenhouse Rd.
• Don McLaren Arena - 61 Green St.
• Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre - 150 Pioneer Dr.
• Forest Heights Community Centre - 1700 Queens Blv.
• Grand River Arena - 555 Heritage Dr.
• Kingsdale Community Centre - 72 Wilson Ave.
• Kitchener Auditorium (The Aud)
• Kitchener City Hall
• Kitchener Public Library - central library

Waterloo

• Adult Recreation Centre - 185 King St. S
• Albert McCormick Community Centre - 500 Parkside Dr.
• Region of Waterloo - 99 Regina St. S
• RIM Park -2001 University Ave.
• Waterloo City Centre - 100 Regina St.
• Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre - 101 Father David Bauer Dr.
• Waterloo Public Library - John M. Harper Branch - 500 Fischer-Hallman Rd.
• Waterloo Public Library - main branch on 35 Albert St.
• Waterloo Public Library - McCormick branch on 500 Parkside Dr.

Cambridge

• Allan Reuter Centre - 507 King St.
• Cambridge Centre for the Arts - 60 Dickson St.
• Cambridge City Hall - 50 Dickson St.
• David Durward Centre - 62 Dickson St.
• Idea Exchange - Clemens Mill, Hespeler,Preston andQueen's Square
• Region of Waterloo - 150 Main St.
• W.G. Johnson Centre - 31 Kribs St.