Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for specific areas within the Middlesex and London region, particularly encompassing Strathroy, Komoka, and western Middlesex County. This warning is effective starting today and is likely to remain in effect until Wednesday, September 6. During the course of the week, daytime temperatures are expected to range between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius, with the hottest days anticipated to be on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In response to this late summer heatwave, the Middlesex-London Health Unit urges the public to take precautionary measures to stay cool and adequately hydrated. The Health Unit offers the following recommendations to mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses:
Consume ample water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you do not feel particularly thirsty.
Never leave a child or pet in an unattended parked vehicle or exposed to direct sunlight while sleeping outdoors.
Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages, coffee, and cola.
Whenever possible, limit outdoor exposure, seeking shade as much as feasible. Plan outdoor activities during the early morning or evening.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat when venturing outdoors.
Keep windows and blinds on the sunny side of your home closed to minimize heat entry.
Avoid using electric lights at home.
Periodically take cool baths or showers, or cool down using damp, cool towels.
Avoid engaging in intense or moderately intense physical activities.
Use fans to circulate cool air at night, but be cautious about relying solely on fans for primary cooling during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Reduce personal vehicle usage, limit unnecessary idling, and steer clear of oil-based paints, glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.
Heat Warnings are declared under the following conditions:
Environment Canada forecasts daytime highs of 31º Celsius or higher and nighttime lows of 20º Celsius or higher for two consecutive days.
Environment Canada forecasts a Humidex of 40º Celsius or higher for two consecutive days.
Environment Canada’s forecasters anticipate that actual temperatures and Humidex values in London and Middlesex County will meet the thresholds described above.
written by: C. Soares