Public health officials have issued their second heat alert of the year as temperatures are forecast to soar across the London region on Friday.
The daytime high is expected to reach 31 C, but will feel more like a sweltering 41 C because of the humidity. That has prompted the Middlesex London Health Unit to issue a one-day heat alert, exactly one week after issuing the first alert of the season.
“The 25th edition of Sunfest is opening this weekend in London, so we know there will be a lot of people enjoying the sounds, sights and tastes of the world at Victoria Park. With this forecast, we also know they’ll need to find ways to beat the heat,” health unit public health inspector Randy Walker said in a statement. “Whether you’re at Sunfest this weekend, camping, or just enjoying the summer in the backyard, keep a water bottle close by, use sunblock or cover exposed skin with light clothing and take breaks from the heat by seeking shade or moving to an air-conditioned space.”
Health officials also advise people to protect themselves against heat-related illness by taking the following steps:
• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee and cola. • When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. • Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. • Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home. • Avoid turning on electric lights in the home. • Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels. • Wear loose-fitting, light clothing. • Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven. • Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity. • Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight. • Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat. • Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, weakness or fainting, fatigue, headache, and confusion. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should get help from a medical professional.
The Humane Society London and Middlesex is also reminding pet owners that the scorching heat can also negatively affect animals.
“The issue of owners leaving their pets unattended in vehicles during the hot summer months is a serious, ongoing problem and puts animals’ lives at risk,” Steve Ryall, executive director of the Humane Society said in a statement.
Dogs and cats have limited ability to sweat which makes any time spent in a parked vehicle, even when in the shade with the windows slightly cracked, potentially life-threatening during the summer months. Signs of distress can include vomiting, excessive drooling, convulsions, exaggerated panting, or completely stopped panting.
Ryall adds that pets should always have access to fresh water and walks should be shorter and more frequent, while avoiding asphalt due to the potential for burns to the pads of their paws.
A cold front is expected to push the hot and humid air out of southwestern Ontario Saturday morning, which will bring slightly cooler temperatures around 25 C for the weekend.
