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Extreme heat, thunderstorms forecast for much of southern Ontario

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Much of southern Ontario has been placed under heat warnings and severe thunderstorm watches for Wednesday evening.

On Wednesday morning, Environment Canada issued heat warnings covering much of the southern portion of the province, from Barrie to Niagara, Ont., including the Greater Toronto Area.

Wednesday’s temperatures are expected to exceed 30 C, according to the agency. Thursday is expected to be slightly cooler, but with high humidex values in the upper thirties.

On Friday, “extremely hot” temperatures are forecasted with humidex levels reaching 40 C in many areas.

“Minimum temperatures in the low 20s will provide little relief from the heat,” the agency says.

The Weather Network says that, in some of the more extreme areas of southern Ontario, temperatures could exceed 35 C.

Environment Canada has urged residents to watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Residents should drink plenty of water, stay in a cool place, check on older friends and family, the agency suggests.

Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks in cool places, and both pets and people should never be left inside vehicles, it said.

Cooler temperatures are expected Saturday.

THUNDERSTORMS, RISK OF TORNADOES

Thunderstorms are also expected Wednesday evening in the aforementioned regions, prompting Toronto Pearson Airport to advise travellers to anticipate possible delays.

Just after 6:30 p.m., Environment Canada issued thunderstorm watches for parts of southern Ontario, including Hamilton, Niagara and Simcoe, Ont.

 The federal agency said due to high winds of up to 90 km/h and heavy rainfall, these weather conditions could create "severe" thunderstorms with a risk of tornadoes.

Environment Canada says the rainfall may likely happen over a short period of time, though the strong gusts of wind could break tree branches, flip vehicles and damage weak buildings.

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