As the sweltering hot weather continues to cook southwestern Ontario, the Middlesex London Health Unit has lengthened its extended heat warning.
Originally issued on Friday, the extended heat warning was to end Tuesday. But as temperatures are forecast to remain in the low 30s for the next three days it was extended and will remain in place until the end of the week.
“Extended periods of heat and humidity like we’ve seen over the weekend and are expecting over the next few days can be especially challenging for seniors, young children, and those with medical conditions that put them at greater risk,” said Randy Walker, public health inspector. “Our recommendation is that people take steps to keep themselves cool; that means drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor physical activity. and maybe spending some time at a local pool or splash pad.”
The health unit notes overexposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, rapid breathing, and a quick and weak pulse. Heat stroke is when the body is no longer able to keep itself cool causing the skin to become dry, the pulse to become rapid and strong, and the individual to become dizzy.
Environment Canada, which also has a heat warning in effect, expects the humid conditions to last through Thursday, with little relief from the heat overnight, as temperatures will remain in the low-20s.
A slight cool down is expected by Friday when a cold front will pass through the region.
In the meantime, the city's 12 cooling centres will remain open for those needing a place to beat the heat. A list of cooling centres can be found here. London's 16 spray pads are open daily from 9am-9pm.
