Heat warning issued with highs up to 33C over coming days

A heat warning that covers much of Ontario has been issued by Environment Canada for the coming days.

The weather agency says highs are expected reach from 28C to 33C on Monday through Wednesday and sleeping might not be that comfortable as the overnight lows are also expected to feel like 25 to 30 when factoring in humidity.

The weather agency notes that extreme heat is hardest on the elderly, infants, pregnant women and people who are vulnerable due to mental or physical issues.

The following are details as they apply to northeastern Ontario:

Issued at 2024-06-16 2:57 p.m. by Environment Canada:
Heat warning issued for:
   Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island
   Greater Sudbury and vicinity
   Elliot Lake - Ranger Lake
   Chapleau - Gogama
   Kirkland Lake - Temiskaming Shores - Temagami
   North Bay - West Nipissing
   Manitoulin - Blind River - Killarney

Current details:
Elevated heat and humidity is expected for several days beginning on Monday.

Daytime highs on Monday through Wednesday are expected to be 28 to 33 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 36 to 42. There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 18 to 22 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 25 to 30.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.

Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health.

The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.