Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the southern Kawarthas region beginning Friday (July 11) and possibly continuing until next Thursday.
The heat warning is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
Southern Ontario will experience a multi-day period of hot and humid conditions. The temperatures and humidex will meet or be extremely close to heat warning criteria, with the hottest day being Saturday. A shift in the weather pattern on Thursday will likely end the heat.
Daytime highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius are expected, with humidex values of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the heat, with lows of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius.
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.
