SUDBURY -- The hot temperatures and sunny skies that are on the forecast for several days in a row are helping pull people across northeastern Ontario outside.
Public beaches and other outdoor arenas were packed as many took advantage of the water to stay cool as temperatures reached above-seasonal on Wednesday.
However, a day in the sun takes some planning in order to have fun and stay safe.
Veronica Hannah was at Moonlight Beach with her young children and she says although her kids love the beach, they try to go in the morning before it gets too hot.
"We always make sure that we have lots of juice boxes and water on hand and sunscreen... I'm very concerned about sunburns," said Hannah.
As these temperatures become more common heading into July and August, she says her entire family will be finding ways to have fun and stay cool.
"Now it's getting hotter, so we need to come to the beach more often and go swimming," she said. "Thank goodness my in-laws have a pool and we have air conditioning, so that's a plus."
However, it wasn't just children playing in the water.
Several residents in Sudbury were out on boats and jet skis on Wednesday and even dogs were soaking up the sunshine.
Dog owner, Tanya Taylor says that although her pup loves to get outside, midday adventures are rare as the weather gets warmer.
"For us, the warmer weather starts to come about 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. So we tend to get out and do our hikes before that so that we're back home in the heating time," said Taylor. "In the afternoon, we have a little kiddy pool we like to splash around in... and by we, I mean she."
The pet owner says the heat can also make animals sick.
"A couple of years ago my dog, Abby actually did get heatstroke. We had a bunch of outdoor activities during that midday time and it was sort of unavoidable. So even though we tied to hydrate as much as possible, she still got heatstroke. So dogs and pets aren't immune to it. We definitely take advantage of the cooler morning hours," added Taylor.
A heat warning for Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake, Gogama and Foleyet was issued Wednesday by Public Health Sudbury and Districts. Timmins also saw that warning from Environment Canada on Wednesday.
Adam Ranger is an environmental support officer for Public Health Sudbury and Districts. He says it's not extremely common for the area to see these warnings, but it does happen as we enter the summer months.
"In our area of Ontario, we use the Environment Canada standard, which is two consecutive days of 29 degrees Celsius or higher with the night time temperatures not dropping below 18, and also with the humid x of 36," said Ranger.
He adds that it is important for people to take breaks from the heat to avoid heat exhaustion. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic and many places still closed to the public, finding cool areas, like public libraries, will be more challenging this summer.
People outside are reminded to take frequent breaks from the heat, avoid sun exposure, hydrate often and check in on neighbours, friends and family members.
"For those who live in an apartment building where there is no air conditioning or they don't have air conditioning during the day, can be a challenge," said Ranger. "For those people without air conditioning, try and cool your house off at night, getting rid of the heat with the cool night air, but then also closing your windows and blinds during the day so that the house doesn't heat back up."
Ranger adds that pools, lakes and splash pads are also a good option to use the water to stay cool.
Splash pads in both Timmins and North Bay splash pads opened at noon on Wednesday and several families were there on opening day. In Sudbury, the splash pads are expected to reopen by June 26.
"Well the splash pad, of course, opened up and we have a sprinkler at home just trying to stay with the cold water. It helps the kids a lot," said one mother in Timmins.
Health officials say that people most at risk are older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who exercise or work in the heat.
