Heat warning continues for southern Ontario

CTV News

19 hours ago

Four-year-old Theodore Wait plays in a sprinkler at a park in Ottawa, Thursday July 21, 2011. Environment Canada issued heat alerts due to high temperatures and humidex values across Ontario. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
It's another scorcher in southern Ontario and Environment Canada says the heat and humidity will continue into Tuesday, or possibly even Wednesday.
On Monday, daytime temperatures were expected to hit 32 to 35 degrees Celsius.
With the humidex, it could feel closer to between 37 and 42.
The sticky weather will continue on Tuesday, but rain is also in the forecast. Environment Canada is predicting a 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon, along with a risk of thunderstorms.
The agency also said the multi-day heat event will end Tuesday night for most of southern Ontario, though the heat and humidity could continue into Wednesday for some communities closer to Toronto and Hamilton.
Signs of heat illness
Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in 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.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting
Extreme thirst
Dark urine and decreased urination
Intense fatigue
Confusion or lack of coordination
Skin rash
Muscle cramps
Heavy sweating
Rapid breathing and heartbeat
Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency.
Those symptoms include:
High body temperature
Very hot, red skin
Confusion or change in consciousness
Dizziness or fainting
If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately.
Beating the heat
The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Know the weather forecast before going outside
Modify your plans according to the weather
Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty
Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol
Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
Seek shade
Avoid sun exposure if you can
Take breaks as needed
Avoid using your oven
Take a cool shower or bath
Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place
Close blinds and shades,
Turn on air conditioning or use a fan
Cooling centres
The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre.
The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices, as well as public swimming pools and splash pads.
Guelph also has a list air-conditioned libraries and facilities open to the public, including the locations of splash pads and swimming pools in the community.
A list of cooling centres, pools and splashpads in Brantford can be found here.
Protecting your pets
Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, could be dangerous.
Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death.
Signs of an overheated pet include:
Excessive panting
Drooling
Vomiting
Collapsing
Lethargy
Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth
If your pet is suffering from the heat, it's a good idea to gradually cool them down.
Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice.
Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it's cooler.