Environment Canada issued a yellow heat warning for Chatham-Kent on Monday afternoon, cautioning residents that a heat event is expected to begin Tuesday and last through Wednesday.
The warning, issued at 3:55 p.m. Monday, lists a moderate impact level and high forecast confidence. Humidex values are expected to reach 31 over the next two days, with maximum temperatures ranging from 29 to 31 degrees Celsius and overnight lows between 20 and 22 degrees. Humidex values could climb as high as 38.
Environment Canada is urging residents to take precautions, including checking on older adults, people living alone and others at greater risk of heat illness multiple times a day, either in person or by phone. The agency advised people to watch for early signs of heat exhaustion, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue, and to stop activity and drink water if those symptoms appear.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, Environment Canada said, and anyone showing signs such as red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion or a change in consciousness should call 911 or their emergency health provider immediately. While waiting for medical attention, people are advised to try to cool the affected person by moving them somewhere cool, removing extra clothing and applying cold water or ice packs.
Residents are asked to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts from Environment Canada. Severe weather reports can be emailed to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or posted to social media using the hashtag ONstorm.
