13 hours ago
How residents are coping with scorching temperatures across Simcoe County
The third day of Ontario's heatwave didn't stop pickleball enthusiasts from hitting the courts in Barrie.
Debra Schlieker and Mike Peragine are taking precautions during the spiking temperatures all while playing the sport they love. 'It's too hot, let's face it, but we're crazy diehards so we come out regardless,' said Schlieker.
Temperatures over the last three days reached mid 30's with the humidex pushing close to 40C degrees.
'In the heat, it's very hot but I don't complain,' said Peragine. 'I have a towel, I have ice water, and I'll play in the heat, that doesn't bother me. Both players taking necessary breaks when it gets too hot. 'Sunscreen, lots of sunscreen. I have water, electrolytes. Could do more,' said Schlieker.
While some people enjoy sports in the heat, others have no choice but to work in it.
Walter Trump a service mechanic for Sunbelt Rentals said its important to take care of your body in the warm temperatures.
'Drink lots of fluids. I keep my truck running so if it gets too hot, I just get to the truck and get inside,' said Trumpe. 'Once I cool down for about 10, 15 minutes and then come back out.'
He added its important to pace yourself when outside. 'If you're at the shop and we're working we just go into the air-conditioned areas and just relax for about ten minutes,' said Trumpe.
Strawberries
Strawberries growing at Fernwood Farms near Stayner, Ont on June 24, 2025. (CTV News/Luke Simard)
At Fernwood Farms near Stayner the hot weather is impacting some seasonal fruits. Strawberry season has already started later than usual and could end early due to the extreme heat.
Kevin Ward, one of the owners and operators at Fernwood Farms said the heat can have a dire effect on fruit, especially strawberries. 'When we get into those hot, very hot, humid conditions. It could be very tough on fruit strawberries, especially because they're just so perishable,' said Ward.
He added the best time to come and pick them is in the morning hours.
'Once they start ripening, they never stop and they're just so delicate,' said Ward. 'So, when we get these days that are super hot, like yesterday it was like a hairdryer out here and it just scorches the fruit while it's ripening so it's tough.'
Residents around Simcoe County can expect a 'yo-yo' summer season with temperatures fluctuating throughout the summer.
This will be the flavor, the personality of the summer so expect more of these,' said David Phillips, climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada. 'But they may not be as intense as the one we've just gone through, so we've already weathered it and if you survived that, you're probably okay.'
