Extended heat warning
CK Public Health officials say with the prediction of hot and/or humid weather for Thursday, July 16 through to at least Monday, July 20, Environment Canada has issued an Extended Heat Warning.
In high temperatures and humidity, your body may not be able to cool properly which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
An extended heat warning is issued in Chatham-Kent when three or more consecutive days are forecasted to have a daytime high temperature greater than or equal to 31°C and a night time temperature greater than or equal to 21°C or a humidex greater than 42 °C.
Symptoms of heat-related illness may include rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you have these symptoms, we suggest moving to a shaded or air conditioned area, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting.
Contact your health care provider, a friend or a family member.
Heat strokes are considered a medical emergency.
Call 911 immediately if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature, is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.
Friends, family and neighbours should check on those who may be vulnerable and subject to any symptoms of overheating and who may need help keeping cool or taking other preventative actions.
When providing heat related assistance, ensure to take COVID-19 precautions.
Heat related illness can affect the elderly, very young, people with chronic illnesses, and even healthy people if they participate in strenuous activities and do not take precautions.
For more information on heat-related illness, visit https://www.chatham-kent.ca/health-social-services/public-health/extreme-weather/HeatRelatedIllness
Ways to help prevent heat-related illness:
– Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
– Never leave anyone or pets in a parked car.
– Seek cooler or air conditioned spaces.
– If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your health care provider or pharmacist if heat increases your health risk. Be sure to follow their recommendations.
– Check on elderly family members and neighbors daily to make sure they are keeping cool.
– Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing.
– Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels on your face, neck or arms.
– The use of a fan alone may not provide enough relief from the heat.
– Avoid strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its hottest.
– Avoid going out in the sun, if possible. If you are outdoors, wear sunscreen.
– Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
– Keep curtains closed to block sun during the day.
For more information, contact CK Public Health at 519-355-1071
Today – July 17, 2020
Mainly sunny. Fog patches dissipating this morning. High 31. Humidex 39. UV index 9 or very high.
Tonight
A few clouds. Low 21.
Heat warning
A hot and humid tropical air mass will begin to affect Southwestern Ontario today.
The heat and humidity will last through the weekend to at least Monday.
Afternoon temperatures will reach the low to mid thirties. Humidex values will reach the low forties each afternoon. Temperatures overnight will remain in the low to mid twenties, providing little relief from the heat.
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
Slightly cooler and less humid conditions may arrive on Tuesday.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
When it’s hot eat cool, light meals.
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.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
Sat, 18 Jul – Mainly sunny. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h late in the morning. High 32. Humidex 40. UV index 9 or very high. Night – Clear. Low 24.
Sun, 19 Jul – A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers. High 33. Night – Cloudy periods with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 24.
Mon, 20 Jul – Cloudy. High 32. Night – Cloudy. Low 22.
Tue, 21 Jul – Cloudy with 70 percent chance of showers. High 29. Night – Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 20.
Wed, 22 Jul – Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. High 29. Night – Cloudy periods with 30 percent chance of showers. Low 20.
Thu, 23 Jul – Sunny. High 30.
