Yesterday’s hot, humid conditions are expected to continue today, prompting Environment Canada to extend yesterday’s heat warning through today.
A hot and humid air mass remains in place across the area, driving daytime maximum temperatures up to near 30 degrees, with humidex values expected to climb to at least 36 degrees.
Cooler temperatures and lower humidity are expected by tomorrow with the arrival of a cold front tonight.
Under heat warning conditions, health risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.
“Frequently check on your friends, neighbours, and relatives, especially if they are at higher risk of heat-related illness to ensure that they are staying cool and hydrated,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Environmental Health Division, in a news release this morning.
Officials advise drinking plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty, and staying in a cool place. You can reduce your heat risk by scheduling outdoor activities around the hottest part of the day.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
The health unit advises that continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death.
Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional, friend, or family member for help. In emergencies, call 911.
In addition to general heat-related information, Public Health Sudbury & Districts offers information on beating the heat in apartment buildings, keeping your pets safe, doing outdoor activities in heat and smog, and keeping your children safe during hot weather.
Continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
