Heat warning in effect this weekend for Peterborough County and Kawartha Lakes

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Peterborough County and Kawartha Lakes for this weekend (July 5 and 6).

Daytime highs on Saturday and Sunday are expected to reach 31 to 33 degrees Celsius, with humidex values expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the heat, with lows of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.

There is also a risk of thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon.

The heat event is expected to come to an end on Sunday night.

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.