Environment Canada issues orange heat warning for Simcoe County

The sun going down behind condo buildings across from Centennial Beach in Barrie, Ont. in June 2026. (CTV News/Jocelyn Martin)

Summer is not only here on the calendar, but the thermometer is showing it too.

You might want to keep your water bottle close by and jump in the lake for a cool-down this week.

Environment Canada is warning of an extended period of hot and humid conditions across Simcoe County.

Orange heat warnings are in place for much of the region. The communities currently affected include Barrie, Collingwood, Muskoka and Newmarket.

The humidex is expected to reach 32 C under a mix of sun and cloud on Monday. Forecasters warn there is the chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm due to the humid conditions.

We won’t get much of a relief for sleeping since the low will only go down to 19 C.

Tuesday will feel even hotter with humidex values at around 39 C.

If you’re spending time outdoors, you’ll want some SPF with you as the UV index for both Monday and Tuesday will be 9 or very high, according to forecasters.

The heat will stick around with the region seeing temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s for the rest of the week.

Environment Canada is reminding you to keep an eye on those who are more vulnerable.

“Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space,” says the national weather centre.

Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. When this happens, Environment Canada says to stop what you’re doing and drink water.