Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the entire Kawarthas region beginning Sunday afternoon (June 22) for “dangerous” heat and humidity.
The heat warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings County.
“The first significant heat event of the season with dangerously hot and humid conditions will begin Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue into the week,” Environment Canada states.
Daytime highs of 31°C to 36°C are expected, with humidex values reaching 40°C to 45°C. There will be little relief from the heat overnight, with lows of 21°C to 25°C expected.
While the heat wave will peak on Monday, extreme heat and humidity may continue into Wednesday. A cold front is expected to push through the region late Tuesday, but there is some uncertainty with how far south this front will get.
Should the cold front remain farther north, the heat event may continue for Wednesday primarily for southwestern Ontario and the GTA.
To help deal with the heat and humidity, Environment Canada is providing the advice listed below.
- Take action to protect yourself and others, as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.
- Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
- Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
- Drink water often, and before you feel thirsty, to replace fluids.
- Close blinds and shades to keep the sunlight out, and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
- Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library, or shaded park.
- Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.
- Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
- Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.
