Heat warning in effect for Kingston and area

Both Environment Canada and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health have issued a heat warning for Kingston and the area on Monday, Jul. 6, 2020.

The heat warning through Environment Canada has been issued for the Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Picton, Napanee, Consecon, and Snadbanks Park areas, and advises of a prolonged period of hot weather, which will continue throughout the week.

“Daytime high temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius, with humidex values in the high thirties to low forties, are expected this week. Overnight lows near 20 degrees Celsius are also expected through this period, providing little relief from the heat,” the national weather agency said.

“A slightly cooler airmass may move into the area this weekend, however there is considerable uncertainty.”

Environment Canada advises that hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category. Humans and animals should not be left inside parked vehicles.

“Extreme heat affects everyone. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors,” the warning reads.

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

At the same time, KFL&A Public Health also advises that “ombination of heat andhigh humidity can be hazardous to your health. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death.”

“A heat warning is issued by Environment Canada for the KFL&A area when the forecasted maximum temperature is expected to be greater than or equal to 31°C and the lowest night-time temperature is anticipated to be at or above 20°C for a period of 2 days or longer. A warning will also be issued if the anticipated humidex is 40°C or warmer for a period of 2 days or longer,” KFL&A Public Health said in a press release on Monday, Jul. 6, 2020.

“Humidex values describe how the hot and humid weather feels to the average person. It combines the temperature and humidity readings into one number to reflect the perceived temperature. The higher the humidex, the harder it is for perspiration to evaporate to cool the body.”

Public Health offers the following tips for staying cool during this period of extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, for example, by sitting under a tree, wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella.
• Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place; take cool showers.
• Reschedule strenuous outdoor activity or planning outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Block the sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
• Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

“KFL&A Public Health encourages people to telephone or virtually check on, friends, and family members, especially those who are chronically ill, and those at higher risk, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated,” Public Health said.