“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,” says Matt McManee from his chip wagon in Anten Mills today.
He is just one of many outdoor workers coping with today’s extreme heat. The temperature climbed to 30 degrees and beyond by noon. In the sun it was even hotter, prompting Environment Canada to issue heat warning for all of south, central and eastern Ontario.
From his wagon, McManee says the cooking oil is 350 degrees, and when the sun beats in through the windows working can be tough. But the constant demand for fries kept the burners on high.
“It's hottest when we are busy because we are cooking as much as we can, and then when the sun comes through the window yeah it gets toasty,” he says.
The heat is also taking a toll on construction crews.
“We'll tag out. There will be a couple of us in a trench and a couple of us out. When one guy says “tag out” then one guy jumps in and another guy jumps out, and sits in the shade with a bottle of water,” says Nick Lefebvre from Charbeneau Construction.
The trend of warmer than normal temperatures is expected to continue. Environment Canada's three month forecast is now calling for warmer than normal weather for August, September and October in almost every corner of the country.
While the heat may be difficult to work in, many at the cottage are singing the praises of the sizzling weather.
“I think the beach boys said it best with endless summer. As long as it’s hot I'm happy,” says Bob Collins, a cottager in Wasaga Beach.
However, for those without access to a beach or a cottage, several municipalities have opened public buildings to use as cooling centres.
