Environment Canada has issued a heat warning in Chatham-Kent, as temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 21 degrees Celsius are expected for the next day.
“Hot and humid conditions are expected today into Tuesday,” forecasters say.
“Daytime temperatures near 31 degrees Celsius are expected today and Tuesday. A humidex value reaching into the low forties is also anticipated on Tuesday. An overnight low temperature near 21 degrees Celsius is expected tonight, providing little relief from the heat.”
Hot and humid conditions will likely come to an end Tuesday night, forecasters added.
“Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category,” Environment Canada officials say.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”
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, Environment Canada officials added.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
Chatham-Kent officials say when Environment Canada issues an extreme heat alert, daytime cooling centres will be available in multiple locations.
“Municipal offices in Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury, and Wallaceburg, will offer space for people to stop in, sit, have a drink of water, and cool off during regular business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” Municipal officials say.
Their locations can be found, here, or call 311 to inquire.
“Additionally, Employment and Social Services will offer the same service at their main office lobby located on the 1st floor of the Community Human Services Building at 435 Grand Ave., West, Chatham between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” Municipal officials added.
“Public Libraries in Chatham-Kent have free internet use and time to browse our collections as an escape from the heat.”
For information on the library locations and open hours see: https://www.chatham-kent.ca/library/Pages/default.aspx
Hope Haven will offer services and a cooling station at their location at 183 Wellington Street West, Chatham, from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. as well.
“Their regular hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week. Please contact the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628 if you require assistance with transportation,” Municipal officials say.
James Street Drop-In Centre will offer services and a cooling station at their location at 719 James Street, Wallaceburg, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. as well.
“Their regular hours are 2 p.m. to 6p.m., seven days a week. Please contact the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628 if you require assistance with transportation.”
Municipal officials say anyone can be affected by extreme warm-related weather conditions, depending on the length of time of exposure to heat and exertion levels.
Those, especially at risk, include:
– Older adults over the age of 65
– Infants and young children
– Outdoor workers
– Homeless persons, and/or those lacking shelter, proper clothing or food
“During extreme warm weather, residents are encouraged to call or visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk and keep pets inside,” Municipal officials added.
For more information, see: https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on16
