Heat warning issued for Greater Sudbury and nearby areas

Expect temperatures in the 30-plus range and humidex levels of 35 to 40 said Environment Canada ... Health unit issues an advisory on coping with the heat

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Greater Sudbury and surrounding areas.The heat event is expected for Sunday and the following three days, said the warning statement. This means high humidex values are expected. Environment Canada said hazardous maximum temperatures of 29 to 32 Celsius. Humidex vales of 35 to 40 are also expected. The warning said the timing of the heat event is expected to begin Sunday and continue through to Monday and Tuesday. In some areas, the heat will continue into Wednesday. "Despite overnight temperatures being lower than warning criteria in some areas, humidex and daytime highs will be very atypical of early September," said the statement. "The passage of a cold front will bring an end to the heat on Tuesday and Wednesday for some areas. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category," the statement continued. "The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors," said the warning. "Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions." Health Advisory Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) has added to the Environment Canada warning with an advisory for area residents on coping with the warmer temperatures. "Continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash, heat cramps (muscle cramps), and even death," said the public health advisory. "People who are most at risk include, older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, people who are homeless, people who use alcohol or illicit drugs, and those who work or exercise in the heat. Those who take medications or have a health condition should consult their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are at increased risk from the heat and follow their recommendations," said PHSD/ “Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.  “Everyone should take precautions.” he said. The health unit said this should include drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration, said PHSD. Babies under 6 months of age do not need extra water in hot weather; however, you might need to feed them more often. Follow your baby’s feeding cues. Encourage babies over 6 months and children to drink frequently. Offer the breast or if not breastfeeding, offer water. Frequently visit or check-in on neighbours, friends, and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated. Other tips for staying cool include the following: =Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. =Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric. =Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight—even if the windows are down. =Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place. =Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or cool down with cool, wet towels. =Prepare meals that do not need to be cooked in your oven. =Block sun out by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day. =Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. They include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you or someone in your care experiences these symptoms, contact a health care professional, friend, or family member for help. In emergencies, call 911.