Hastings and Prince Edward Counties /June 17, 2024 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is advising local residents of dangerously hot and humid weather beginning today throughout Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, and expected to continue most of the week.
A 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.
In alignment with the Harmonized Heat Warning and Information System for Ontario, heat warnings are issued when two consecutive days are forecasted 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.
All residents are advised that heat illnesses are preventable, but extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illness. 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 that 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 or your local emergency number immediately. 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.
For additional information about extreme heat, review the Fact Sheet below, or visit the Government of Canada’s Extreme Heat webpage. For information on the status of the current heat warning, please visit www.weather.gc.ca.
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Media Contacts:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Communications Team
communications@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Heat Warnings – Fact Sheet
Environment and Climate Change Canada has developed a Heat Warning and Information System for Ontario to give advance warning of heat events. A heat warning is issued in southern Ontario when there will be two consecutive days of:
- 31C or higher during the day AND 20C or higher at night
OR
- Humidex* values of 40C or higher
(*Humidex describes how hot and humid it feels to the average person.)
Heat events put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, but health risks are greatest for:
- older adults
- infants and young children
- people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses
- people who work or exercise in the heat
- people experiencing homelessness
- low-income earners
- those without access to air conditioning
Heat illnesses are preventable. During extreme heat, the most important thing is to keep cool and hydrated.
- Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
- Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or an air-conditioned spot such as a public building, shopping mall, grocery store, place of worship or public library.
- Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed.
- Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven.
- Block sun out by opening awnings, and closing curtains or blinds during the day.
- Avoid sun exposure and shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.
