Air quality statement, heat warning remain in place

pexels-photo-103127

Possible high levels of air pollution are expected today, as a heat warning continues across Chatham-Kent.

Environment Canada officials say a special air quality statement is in place due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality. Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations this afternoon in the above regions. Moderate risk AQHI values are expected throughout the day with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values in the afternoon.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Exposure to air pollution is particularly a concern for children, the elderly, and those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Heat warning remains in place

The mid summer heat wave will continue today and likely into tonight and Sunday with daytime temperatures once again reaching the low thirties on both days. Minimum temperatures tonight will remain in the low twenties, providing little relief from the heat.

Afternoon humidex values will peak in the upper thirties to low forties this weekend.

Latest indications suggest a weak cold front will move through Sunday night or Monday morning. In its wake, the weather will continue to be very warm, albeit somewhat less humid, with temperatures and humidex values settling down to just below the heat warning threshold.

Drink plenty of liquids especially water before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.

Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot such as a public building, shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship or public library.

Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven.

- Advertisment -