Heat warning issued as temperatures soar

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Residents should take extra steps to stay cool this week, officials warned, as an oppressive blanket of heat makes its way across the province for the first official week of summer.  

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Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region, with officials warning that “dangerously hot and humid conditions” are expected through most of the week.  

Temperatures are predicted to soar into the high thirties all week – daytime highs will be between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, with humidex values of 40 to 45.  

“There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 18 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30,” the heat warning said.  

The federal agency issues heat warnings when daytime temperatures reach 31C or higher and nighttime temperatures don’t go below 20C for at least two days, or when a humidex of 40C lasts for at least two days. 

In response, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit issued an advisory Monday, giving residents tips on how to stay cool and how to spot symptoms of overheating.

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“These high temperatures and humidity may affect your health,” local officials said.  

“Becoming overheated can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death. Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems.”  

Dr. Linna Li, the medical officer of health at the local health unit, advised residents to keep cool and hydrated this week, adding anyone who’s been exposed to extreme heat should seek medical attention immediately if they feel nauseous, dizzy, have blurred vision, difficult or rapid breathing, severe headache or confusion, convulsions, or fever.  

“Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty,” she said in a media release. 

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“Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.” 

Everyone is at risk, officials said, but some people are “in greater danger of being affected,” including the elderly, infants and small children, people with chronic illnesses or who take certain medications, people who have “challenges with housing and shelter,” and people who participate in physical activity or work outside for prolonged periods. 

Dr. Li also said humans and pets should not be left in parked vehicles, nor should they sleep outdoors in direct sunlight. Also, those who take medication should consult their health-care provider to discuss any potential side effects.  

Other pieces of advice include eating foods that have high water content, such as watermelons, grapes, and oranges, and limiting caffeinated drinks.  

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“Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.” 

Officials said that, whenever possible, people should go to an air-conditioned room or building. According to the health unit website, there are a few municipal buildings that double as cooling centres throughout the tri-county region.

This includes the Gananoque library, the North Grenville Public Library, the front lobby of the Merrickville Community Centre, Prescott Town Hall.

Health Unit officials said they were not yet aware of any official cooling centres in Brockville. The library there, however, is a public space and has air conditioning. 

The health unit provided a few tips about how to keep the temperature down at home, including keeping lights off and window blinds closed on the sunny side of the house. 

“Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity,” officials said. 

Take a cool bath or shower periodically, visit a local splash pad. The local beaches are not starting their weekly bacteria testing until later this month.

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