The Middlesex-London Health Unit will issue a Heat Alert when:
Heat Warning
- Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating a daily Tmax of 31oC or higher with a Tmin of 20oC or higher for two consecutive days, or
- Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating a daily Humidex of 40 or higher for a duration of two consecutive days.
Extended Heat Warning
- Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating a daily Tmax of 31oC or higher with a Tmin of 20oC or higher for duration of three consecutive days or longer, or
- Environment Canada issues a forecast indicating daily Humidex of 40 or higher for a duration of three consecutive days or longer.
When a heat alert is issued, the City of London will initiate our extreme temperature protocol, which may include opening cooling centres for residents who require temporary shelter from the heat.
Hours and location of cooling centres will be updated here when a heat alert is issued. Please note that no special programming is provided at cooling centres and the hours of operation may vary.
For extreme heat weather information and tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness, please visit https://www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat
Hours and locations of cooling centres
During a Heat Alert, the following community centres will be available as cooling centres during regular operating hours.
- East Lions Community Centre located at 1731 Churchill Avenue
- North London Optimist Community Centre located at 1345 Cheapside Street.
- Startech.com Community Centre, YMCA and Library located at 501 Southdale Rd W
- South London Community Centre located at 1119 Jalna Boulevard.
It's important to note that any City of London community centre can be used as a cooling centre, when open, if Londoners need a reprieve from the heat.
The London Public Library Central Branch will also be available as a cooling space during extreme weather alerts:
- Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The Central Branch is located at 251 Dundas Street.
Branch Library locations are open Tuesday – Saturday. Their hours can be found here.
Additional Community Resources
In additional to the City's cooling centres, our community partners are a huge support for Londoners during hot weather alerts. Learn more about where and how to access these services below.
Additional Community Resources
Please note that these services' operational hours may change.
- The Coordinated Informed Response program as part of their outreach will offer refreshments and snacks where needed
- London Cares Outreach will assist street involved individuals within the city of London by conducting health and safety wellbeing checks, providing basic needs, and connecting individuals to cooling spaces, shelters, and services. London Cares will assist with transportation options for individuals who need assistance to get somewhere cool, including those requiring assistance due to the elements. Phone: 519-667-CARE (2273).
- Water fountains are available in Victoria Park, Gibbons Park, Springbank West Park, Pump House Park and the Springbank House.
- Spray Pads are open between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. A list of spray pad activation features and locations can be found on our Aquatics page.
- Dundas Field House - located at 179 Dundas Street is open for washroom use.
Drop In Services and Cooling Spaces
Drop-in services are increasing water distribution. Cooling spaces are available at some locations.
- London Public Library Central Branch - Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Located at 251 Dundas Street. Please note there is limited space available, no washroom access.
- Ark Aid Street Mission - Services offered every day from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- London Coffee House -Services offered Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Extended hours offered in extreme weather. Drop-in, food and cooling, washroom and laundry access. Located at 371 Hamilton Rd. Phone: 1-855-855-2642.
- My Sisters' Place - Services offered to individuals who identify as women, Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. Services offered on weekends and holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Drop-in, snacks, cooling, referral to night space. Located at 566 Dundas Street. Phone: 519-675-9570 extension 5000.
- The Commons - Services offered Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 602 Queens Avenue.
Resting Spaces
- Ark Aid Street Mission - Overnight emergency beds are available with a community agency referral. For more information, call 519-667-0322.
- Bishop Cronyn Church by Ark Aid - Overnight long-term beds are located at 442 William Street by referral only. For more information, please call 519-860-2932.
Emergency Shelters - 24 hours/day, 7 days a week
London’s emergency shelters provide, at a minimum, emergency room and board to individuals and/or families who are experiencing homelessness and are aimed at meeting immediate, short term needs.
- Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre (men 16 years and older): Located at 459 York Street, Phone: 519-672-8500
- Rotholme Family Shelter (for families): Located at 42 Stanley Street, Phone: 519-673-4114.
- The Salvation Army Centre of Hope: (individuals 16 years and older). Located at 281 Wellington Street, Phone: 519-661-0343.
- YOU Youth Shelter (youth ages 16 to 24): 585 Clarke Road. Phone: 519-686-1038.
Violence Against Women Shelters – 24hrs/day, 7 days a week
Emergency shelter and support for abused women and their children:
- Anova (women identifying): Located at 101 Wellington Road, 450 Clarke Road, Phone: 519-642- 3000 or 1-800-265-1576
- Atlohsa Family Healing Services - Zhaawanong Shelter (Indigenous women and their children): Located at 256 Hill Street. Phone: 1-800-605-7477