Eastern Ontario is in the grip of yet another prolonged heat wave.  The days succeeding days of hot, humid air and clear blue skies with a burning sun are taking their toll, along with the lack of any rain leading to a truly parched environment.

We are on the verge of a Stage 3 drought declaration.  After which there will be an imposed state of water conservation, and it will become illegal to use water for any other than fundamental purposes relating to hygiene and normal interior usage. 

The trees are gasping for relief, their leaves beginning to shrivel for lack of moisture.  The only saving grace has been daily breezes that move the hot air around, giving some relief.  The public is being warned to conserve energy, not to engage in strenuous physical pursuits in this environment.  Alerts have been published, affecting the most vulnerable; the very young and the very old.

People are being urged, if they haven't direct access to air conditioning, to use public places like libraries and shopping malls to have a bit of relief from the unending heat; two hours of exposure to air conditioning for people is being recommended, if their homes are not air conditioned. 

Floor fans, we've found, help immeasurably; we've got one in every room.  If we enter a room to remain there for any length of time we put on the fan for the slight relief it offers.

Farmers' fields are wilting for lack of rain, and irrigation is becoming a greater problem with the levels of local aquifers and rivers and lakes at a very low seasonal level.  Crops will likely be permanently adversely affected for this summer.  We'll note that when we venture to the market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.