KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit is informing that Environment Canada is forecasting hot, humid weather on Saturday, July 5 through Sunday, July 6 for the City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough.
Currently daytime highs are forecasted to reach up to 33° C, with a humidex of 40. Overnight lows are expected to remain above 21°C, providing little relief from the heat. The heat event is expected to end Sunday evening.
Surrounding areas, including Northumberland County and the County of Haliburton, may also experience temperatures close to heat warning level and residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions. The Health Unit is taking protective action by alerting the public of extreme heat events to prevent and reduce heat-related illnesses and direct community response and outreach to at-risk and priority populations.
Based on criteria from Environment Canada, the Health Unit will issue the following alerts:
• Heat Warning: when the daytime temperature is expected to be 31°C or higher, with a minimum overnight low of 20°C or higher, for two (2) consecutive days. A heat warning can also be issued when the humidex is forecast to be 40 or higher for two (2) consecutive days.
• Extending Heat Warning: when the same conditions apply above, but the heat event is expected to last for three or more days in a row. Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be very dangerous, especially to those most vulnerable to health risks including people who work outdoors, people who are unhoused, elderly and some people with disabilities or chronic diseases, people who are pregnant, and children and infants. Monitor yourself and those around you for signs of heat-related illness and seek medical attention if required.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
• tiredness and weakness • dizziness and/or fainting • rash • nausea or vomiting • rapid breathing and headache • extreme thirst • decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water. If you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature, hot flushed or very pale skin, and is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating, call 911 immediately. These are signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency!
