Windsor-Essex prepares for extremely hot Canada Day weekend

Just as we get ready for the Canada Day weekend, an air quality alert has been put into effect for Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.

Environment Canada sent out a special weather statement Friday morning, warning of high levels of air pollution, which have developed in the region.

Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations. Moderate air quality health index values are expected throughout the day, potentially leading to some high values later in the afternoon.

Environment Canada said air pollution exposure is particularly a concern for children, the elderly, and those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease.

Symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath can arise from exposure to polluted air.

The statement warning of poor air quality has ended as of Friday evening at around 8 p.m.

Prepping for the heat

With an extended heat warning in place and anticipated daytime highs of 37 C this weekend, Riverside Pie Cafe has amped up its ice pop production to serve the hot crowd.

"We've created probably 600 ice pops last night," said Chris Ryan, who works at the cafe.

However, there's a limit to how many they can make because of time and freezer space.

Regardless, "it's been a fun experience," he said.

Prepping to march in Canada Day Parade

A group that may need an ice pop or two this weekend is the marching band at The Diplomats Drum and Bugle Corps, which will be part of the Canada Day parade in Windsor.

The weather is always a concern for the band made of members ranging in age from eight to 22.

"Last Sunday, we did a two kilometre parade in Welland in absolute pouring rain," said director Bob Thwaites.

Even though it can get very hot each summer, he said it's "very rare" for kids to have to leave the parade due to heat issues.

They'll have parent volunteers ready to hand out water to the band along the parade route. A new, lightweight summer uniform will also be worn instead of the old tuxedo jackets.

"It's much cooler, it looks really sharp as well," he said. "We'll wear it all during the summer and go back to the tuxedos during the fall."

Environment Canada issued a heat warning for Windsor, Chatham-Kent and Essex County Thursday afternoon. You can visit 211 Ontario for a list of cooling centres in your area.

The City of Windsor is also opening most of its outdoor pools with additional hours to help people cool down.

Atkinson, Mic Mac and Riverside Centennial outdoor pools will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

All outdoor pools except for Lanspeary will be open on Saturday and Canada Day from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lanspeary pool is temporary closed due to a mechanical issue, but the city hopes it will reopen on Saturday.

The city's eight spray pads will be open as well, daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.