Persisting Heat Advisory Holds for Southern Ontario Regions
As southern Ontario swelters through an extremely hot and humid heatwave, it's crucial to take precautions to stay safe and cool. Here's what you need to know.
Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Symptoms include a high body temperature, very hot skin, confusion or change in consciousness, and dizziness or fainting. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, extreme thirst, dark urine, decreased urination, intense fatigue, confusion or lack of coordination, skin rash, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, rapid breathing and heartbeat.
Beating the Heat
During a heatwave, it's recommended to monitor heat alerts, stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and find ways to stay cool indoors or in shaded areas. If you don't have air conditioning, you can use fans, stay in the coolest parts of your home, take cool showers or baths, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and drink plenty of water regularly.
Cooling Centres
Many municipalities, including Brantford, the Region of Waterloo, and Guelph, open public cooling centres during heatwaves where people can escape the heat safely with air conditioning. Checking local government or health unit websites for cooling centre locations is advised.
Pets in the Heat
Pets also need protection during heatwaves. Ensure they have plenty of water, avoid leaving them in cars or hot environments, provide shade, and limit physical activity during the hottest parts of the day. Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle can be dangerous and may lead to heatstroke, which could result in organ failure and death.
Staying Safe
Staying aware of heat alerts, recognizing heat illness symptoms early, hydrating frequently, and accessing cooling options like cooling centres are key steps to protect yourself and pets during southern Ontario heatwaves. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, move them to a cool place, give them water, and place ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately.
Vulnerable Individuals
Heat illness is a serious concern during hot weather, particularly for older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside, and the homeless community.
Upcoming Weather
On Monday, daytime temperatures were expected to reach between 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, with the humidex making it feel closer to between 37 and 42 degrees Celsius. There is a 40% chance of showers in the afternoon on Tuesday, along with a risk of thunderstorms. The heat event is expected to end for most of southern Ontario on Tuesday night, but it could continue into Wednesday for some communities closer to Toronto and Hamilton.
Cooling a Pet
To cool down an overheated pet, experts suggest using a cool, wet blanket or towel, but avoid using ice. Signs of an overheated pet include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, collapsing, lethargy, a red or hanging tongue, and a lack of energy.
Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the summer!
- Mental health also needs consideration during hot weather, as stress from climate change and the accompanying heatwaves can exacerbate underlying mental health concerns.
- Incorporating health-and-wellness routines, such as yoga or meditation, can help manage stress, promote mental health, and provide a sense of calm during this period.
- The environmental-science community also studies the impact of climate change on skin-care as warmer temperatures can trigger flare-ups for those with sensitive complexions.
- In the realm of lifestyle, choosing eco-friendly fitness-and-exercise equipment and clothing helps reduce your carbon footprint amidst heightened climate change discussions.
- It's important to promote a balanced lifestyle amidst environmental concerns, taking care of your pets, mental health, and skin-care alongside staying cool during heatwaves and reducing your carbon footprint.
