WELLINGTON COUNTY -Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is reminding residents to take precautions following a heat warning issued by Environment Canada on July 4.
Heat warnings are issued by Environment Canada when “very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”
The warning, issued for much of the province, includes north and south portions of Wellington County, as well as Erin and Guelph. It begins today and continues through Wednesday.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 30 degrees Celcius in Centre Wellington on Tuesday, with humid conditions making it feel more like 35 degrees Celcius. The temperature is forecasted to decrease to 18 degrees Celcius overnight.
On Wednesday, the daytime high is forecasted to be 31 degrees Celcius, but feel more like 36 degrees Celsius.
“During times of high heat, it is important to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool liquids before you feel thirsty,” a July 4 WDGPH notice states.
“Summer sun and high heat bring risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which is a serious condition that can be life threatening,” the notice adds.
The notice also advises to take special care of older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, children and infants, who are all at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.
“Regularly call friends and family to check in on those who are vulnerable, especially those who may be on their own, to make sure they are cool and hydrated,” the notice states.
WDGPH has provided a number of online resources:
• steps you can take to keep your home or apartment cool;
• check the Air Quality Health Index;
• health checks during extreme heat events for checking in on someone on a hot day; and
• the WDGPH Extreme Heat webpage.
