Environment Canada made it official Saturday morning with a sternly worded hot weather warning for the capital region starting Sunday afternoon and lasting through Tuesday.
“The first significant heat event of the season with dangerously hot and humid conditions will begin Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue into the week,” the agency said.
Daytime highs are expected to hit 31 C to 36 C, with humidex making those temperatures “feel like” 40-50 degrees.
Overnight lows of 21C to 25 C will provide little relief from the heat, Environment Canada said.
For now, the heat wave is expected to last from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday night.
“A cold front is expected to push through (Eastern Ontario) late Tuesday, but there is some uncertainty with how far south this front will get,” the message reads.
“Should it remain farther north, the heat event may continue for Wednesday primarily for southwestern Ontario and the GTA.”
Environment Canada urges people to stay alert to “to protect yourself and others.
“Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.”
Early warning signs of heat exhaustion may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.
“Stop your activity and drink water.”
Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke.
“While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.”
Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.
In the home, close blinds and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
Turn on air conditioning, use a fan. Move to a cooler area of your home if the living space is hot, or move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.
Ottawa Public Health has many recommended actions if the heat wave continues.
The Extreme Heat page is available online
here
.
Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.
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