Heat wave in Waterloo Region to last all week
Posted Jun 30, 2026 04:22:16 AM.
Last Updated Jun 30, 2026 03:29:40 PM.
Sticky heat has settled in over the Region of Waterloo with no relief coming from the temperatures and humidity until the weekend at the earliest.
Environment Canada has an orange-level heat warning in effect — the second-highest of its three levels. The heat is expected to last right through Canada Day and into the weekend.
The weather agency says temperatures this week could peak at 36 C, not counting the humidex. And there will be no relief overnight all week, as temperatures will not drop below the low 20s.
Warning preparedness meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bejin says that while he doesn’t want to scare anyone, “heat waves are really dangerous; in fact it can kill people. Heat waves are to be taken seriously.”
Bejin says that because it’s not going to cool off during the overnights, “that’s a factor contributing to the intensity of this particular heat wave. There will not be any relief until the end of the week.”
He explains heat is a cumulative effect, and “having more than three days of really scorching hot temperatures, it can get really dangerous” for vulnerable people, but he adds “heat affects everybody.”
This heat wave is not connected to the heat wave in western Europe that has already been blamed for hundreds of deaths, he noted.
Environment Canada reminds everyone to check on older adults, those living alone, and other at-risk people. Also, watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion, which can include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue.
Local Humane Societies urge all pet owners to leave their pets at home and do not take them out in the car during a heat wave.
