Hot and humid heat wave brings in summer

UPDATE JUNE 18 – Environment Canada and the province of Ontario have issued a joint special air quality advisory and statement for Belleville, Consecon, Picton/Sandbanks, and Quinte West areas.

High levels of air pollution are possible in these areas this afternoon and evening as the hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations north of Lake Ontario.

Moderate risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values in the afternoon and evening.

Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care. Those taking medication or have a health condition should pay close attention to symptoms and take a break if necessary.

Some individuals are at greater risk from air pollution:
– people with cardiovascular disease or lung diseases will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels
– children, including teenagers, in particular when being active outdoors or if they have asthma
– older adults
– those who exercise or work outdoors

JUNE 17 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is advising residents of dangerously hot and humid weather beginning today, and expected to continue most of the week. Summer officially starts with solstice Thursday, June 20 – the longest day and shortest night of the year – also ushering in Friday’s Strawberry full moon.

The heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada advises that daytime highs through much of the week are expected to be 30C to 35C with humidex values of 40C to 45C. There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 20C to 23C with humidex values of 26C to 30C. Temperatures and humidex values may be several degrees cooler near the shores of the Great Lakes.

Regions across the province and into parts of Quebec are affected. The municipality is not offering cooling centres, but invites those who want to get out of the sun to visit any branch of the public libraries.

Heat warnings are issued when two consecutive days are forecast to have a daytime high temperature greater than or equal to 31C and a nighttime temperature greater than or equal to 20C, or a humidex greater than 40C.

During hot weather, make efforts to check in with neighbours, friends and older family members frequently, especially those who are chronically ill or otherwise at higher risk, to make sure they are cool and hydrated.

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
decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.

If you are caring for someone who is unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating, call 911. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by moving them to a cool place (if you can), applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and fanning the person as much as possible.