Warnings

4:45 AM EDT Thursday 21 July 2016
Heat Warning in effect for:

• Cornwall – Lancaster
• Maxville – Alexandria
• Morrisburg – Long Sault
• Winchester – Newington

An extended period of hot and humid weather will arrive today and continue into the weekend. Humidex values will approach 40 degrees at times.

Please refer to the public forecast for more details.

Heat illnesses are preventable.

While heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for
– older adults;
– infants and young children;
– people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses;
– people who work in the heat;
– people who exercise in the heat;
– homeless people; and
– people without access to air conditioning.

Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash and heat cramps (muscle cramps).

Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include
– dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting
– headache
– rapid breathing and heartbeat
– extreme thirst and
– decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these symptoms during a heat event, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.

Drink plenty of liquids especially water before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.

Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.