Pickering residents are being urged to prepare for the first extended heat warning of the year, with temperatures across Durham Region expected to climb as high as 36 C this week.
According to Durham Region Health Department, Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued the first heat warning of 2026 for both north and south Durham Region. The multi-day orange level heat event is expected to last until Friday, and possibly into Saturday.
The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday, with maximum temperatures forecast between 34 and 36 C.
What an orange level warning means
The Health Department explains that a yellow level heat warning is issued when weather conditions are short-term and may cause health impacts. The warning escalates to orange when high temperatures and humidity are likely to cause significant health impacts, or when the heat event lasts several days.
Residents are being asked to stay alert and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. The Health Department encourages people to check on neighbours, friends and older adults — particularly those who are vulnerable, living alone, or without air conditioning — to make sure they stay cool and hydrated.
Recognizing heat-related illness
Knowing the warning signs of heat illness is a key part of staying safe, the Health Department said. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, swelling, rapid breathing or heartbeat, fatigue, and behavioural changes such as sleepiness or temper tantrums in children.
Severe cases, including heatstroke, involve confusion, loss of consciousness, or a body temperature above 39 C. Anyone experiencing these symptoms — or seeing them in someone else — should call 911 for immediate emergency care.
Staying cool during the heat event
The Health Department is sharing prevention tips to help residents beat the heat, along with resources such as its Heat Hacks for Keeping Cool guide.
Throughout the summer, the department will post information at durham.ca/heat to let residents know when heat warnings are issued and to share cooling resources. Updates are also being provided through the department's Facebook, X and Instagram accounts, and residents can follow the latest forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Residents with questions can contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
With several days of extreme heat ahead, Pickering residents are encouraged to plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day and to look out for those most at risk in their neighbourhoods.
