Oakville's second Heat Warning of the summer was issued by Environment Canada at 10:34 a.m. today, Monday, July 27, as a result of extreme heat and humidity expected to last into Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to be 32°C today, 32°C tomorrow and 31°C on Wednesday, with night time lows of 20°C. Humidex forecasts are expected to be in the high 30s°C.
This warning is issued when forecast temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for two days, or when a humidex of 40 or higher is expected for two days. Even short periods of exposure to these weather conditions can cause serious health problems.
Anyone can be affected by extreme heat-related weather conditions. Those especially at risk include: older adults (over the age of 65), infants and young children, people who work and exercise in the heat, people without adequate housing and those without air conditioning. People who have breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney problems or take heat-sensitive medications are also especially at risk of preventable heat illness. If you or someone in your care experiences rapid breathing, headache, confusion, weakness or fainting, seek medical attention right away.
You can prevent heat-related illness by staying cool; avoiding strenuous outdoor activities; seeking shade from the sun; spending time in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls and community centres; and drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water. Call or visit friends or neighbours who may be at risk and never leave people or pets in your care unattended in a car.
Weather and heat information are available on local radio and television stations and the Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts for Ontario - South. For the Air Quality Health Index and smog and air health information, visit the Air Quality Ontario website. For more information and tips on how to protect your health during heat advisories, including a listing of air conditioned locations in Halton, please visit halton.ca/heat or dial 311.
The full text of the warning is as follows:
Warnings
10:34 AM EDT Monday 27 July 2015
Heat Warning in effect for:
Burlington - Oakville
Caledon
Halton Hills - Milton
Mississauga - Brampton
A hot airmass is expected to move into southern Ontario today. Daytime highs in the low thirties are expected today with warm overnight minimum temperatures near 20 degrees. The hot weather conditions will likely continue into Thursday.
The heat warning will likely be extended later this afternoon to include much of southwestern Ontario and eastern ontario.
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 extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.
Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.
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.
Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required. Please monitor local media or Weatheradio. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports to #ONStorm.