Environment Canada has put out a yellow heat warning for Windsor-Essex and much of southwestern Ontario as the week begins.
The first heat wave of the season kicked off Monday afternoon and is likely to last through Tuesday, with daytime highs reaching 30 to 32 C – but humidex values could climb to between 36 and 38 C – with overnight lows around 20 C.
The weather agency warns that extreme heat can affect everyone’s health, so it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself and others, and figure out if you or those nearby are more vulnerable to heat-related issues.
Environment Canada advises checking on older adults, people living alone, and others at risk of heat-related illness several times a day either in person or by phone during this time.
Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
The national agency says be alert for early signs of heat exhaustion, which may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and extreme fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to stop any activity and drink some water.
If symptoms like red hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion or changes in consciousness occur, call 911 or your emergency health provider right away, according to the agency.
“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,” the forecaster said in a Monday morning news release.
“Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.”
If someone’s home gets too hot, they should find refuge in a cool public space like a cooling center, community center, library or shaded park according to the release. Residents affected can follow guidance from their local public health authority.
It’s also recommended to plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day which helps limit direct sun exposure and excessive heat.
“Never leave people-especially children-or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking it up to ensure no one is left behind,” Environment Canada stated in its release.
Predictions for the summer ahead
This week’s weather patterns in southwestern Ontario might give an idea of what temperatures will be like this summer according to Robert Mc Leman who teaches environmental studies at Wilfred Laurier University.
He believes that residents can expect a hot humid summer with plenty of rain.
As heat waves become more common in May and early June across southwestern Ontario many locals might forget that this kind of weather isn’t typical here.
“I mean it’s quite usual for us too get frost in Southwestern Ontario In The Month Of May,” Mc Leman said.
“What we’re seeing across Canada And Particularly In Southern Ontario Is That Winters Are Just Becoming Shorter And Milder And Less Snowy. And Springtime Seems To Be More Compacted Now.”He Adds That Going Forward , Similarly High Temperatures May Start To Become Typical For The Month Of May In Future Years.
Mc Leman Says Monday’s Temperatures Are Still Below The Record Temperature For May18 In Windsor. That Record Was Set In1962 , When The Area Hit34C.
Source link
