Hot, humid weather is making a comeback across southwestern Ontario prompting the Middlesex London Health Unit to issue a pair of heat alerts.
Temperatures in the London area are forecast to climb to daytime highs of 31 C on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, instead of putting a two-day heat alert in place, health officials have issued a heat alert for each day as there will be relief from the heat during the overnight hours.
Wednesday will be especially scorching as it will feel more like 39 C because of the humidity.
“While the weather will be hot today, it won’t feel as intense as some of the recent temperatures we’ve experienced. That concerns us because people may be less vigilant and not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun’s damaging UV rays,” said Randy Walker, public health inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It’s still important to cover exposed skin and use sunblock, as well as to wear a hat, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and to not overexert yourself outside.”
Health officials also advise people to protect themselves against heat-related illness by taking the following steps:
• 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. • 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 health unit issues heat alerts when Environment Canada forecasts daytime highs of 31 C or higher for one day or more and when humidex values reach 40 C or higher for at least 24 hours.
So far this summer, the health unit has issued four heat alerts.
