Summer arrives in a blaze of heat, as Environemnt Canada issues a heat warning across Chatham-Kent.
A special air quality statement is also in effect.
“Summer officially arrives on Monday, and Mother Nature is delivering weather to match the calendar,” Environment Canada officials stated.
“The most significant heat episode of the year so far is occurring across much of Southern Ontario. Building heat over the past couple of days will peak today and Monday with temperatures forecast to top off in the low to mid thirties. Overnight temperatures will also be warm tonight when readings are expected to be in the low twenties in many locales.”
“Later on Monday, an approaching cold front will herald the arrival of scattered showers and thunderstorms, followed by cooler conditions Monday night.”
These conditions pose a health risk when you are not used to the heat.
Everyone is at risk from heat, especially older adults, infants and young children, and people with chronic illnesses.
You are advised to:
1) Drink plenty of cool liquids before feeling thirsty
2) Keep cool by dressing for the weather and spending a few hours each day in a cool place.
Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weather.gc.ca.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Elevated levels of air pollution are expected early this evening.
The statement is in place due to deteriorating air quality.
Hot and sunny conditions are causing increased ground-level ozone concentrations.
Moderate risk AQHI values are expected into this evening with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values early this evening.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
If you are experiencing symptoms, such as coughing or throat irritation, consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities until the special air quality statement is lifted. Exposure to air pollution is particularly a health concern for people with heart or breathing problems, those with diabetes, children and the elderly.
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.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada
Issued by Environment Canada, the Province of Ontario
