It seems to be the Canadian paradox – all winter we scowl as we scrape ice off our windshields and trudge through the snow. But as soon as summer rolls around and a real wave of heat and humidity hits us like a truck, we go from one extreme to another. Suddenly we can’t take the heat and are yearning for cooler temps.
No doubt the weather this week, which has climbed to the mid-40s with the humidex, isn’t pleasant for most people, especially those who live without air conditioning, dread climbing into their sweltering vehicles or can’t deal with frizzy hair. Maybe they’re minor inconveniences – even laughable to those who love the warmth – but heat waves like this, and the smog that blankets the skies across Southwestern Ontario can cause serious problems for those with breathing or heart problems.
Either way, this “Bermuda High” is hitting us hard … after two summers of moderate temperatures, this is the first bout of heat, humidity and haze that’s hit us hard for years. And that’s made a lot of people who may be perfectly pleasant on any other day get grumpy fast.
The city jumped into action on Tuesday, and launched a three-day “Keep It Kool” campaign, opening up the Kiwanis Community Centre, Stratford Rotary Complex and Lions Pool for those who wanted to sit back and watch TV, have a free swim or skate in an ice-cold arena. It might not seem like much, but we’re sure all were welcome activities for families whose homes were unbearably hot.
During the Northeast Blackout of 2003, many neighbourhoods came together by candlelight, playing games and barbecuing once people realized the lights weren’t coming back on anytime soon. New friendships were forged then and heat waves have the potential to do the same – for us to meet up with others in the community at the public swimming pool or while trying to stay cool on a shaded porch or even inviting a neighbour in to watch the soccer game in a living room chilled by central air.
While forecasters have assured us a cold front will offer some relief by week’s end, they’ve also warned this may not be the only hot spell we’ll have to endure. So next time, make the most of the scorching weather – meet up with neighbours, pull out a box of popsicles and offer them around. After all, it won’t be long before we’re pulling out the snow shovels again.
-TS
