UPDATE: EXTENDED: Heat warning issued for KFL&A region

UPDATE: (Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021):

The heat warning which has been in effect since Friday, Aug 20, 2021, has been again extended by KFL&A Public Health, to now include Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. The warning is in effect for all areas within Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Counties.

Details remain the same as below. Kingstonist will continue to update this article as necessary.

UPDATE (Monday, Aug. 23, 2021):

Due to high heat and humidex levels Environment Canada has extended the current heat warning through to the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, according to a release from KFL&A Public Health.

This warning is in effect for all areas within Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Counties. “A combination of heat and high 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,” the agency said.

The media release dated Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, contains the same information as the release which was sent out on Friday. All details below remain accurate.

Original Article:

KFL&A Public Health has issued a heat warning for Kingston and area on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 as heat and high humidity are expected throughout the region, lasting through Sunday. This warning is in effect for all areas within Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Counties.

“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 dated Friday, Aug 20, 2021.

Humidex values describe how the hot and humid weather feels to the average person, Public Health said in the release. 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 said during heat events everyone is at risk; however, the health risks are greatest for:

• older adults,
• infants and young children,
• people with chronic illnesses or who take certain medications,
• people who work or who exercise in the heat, and
• people without access to air-conditioned spaces.

Being prepared is key to protecting communities from negative health impacts. KFL&A Public Health recommends taking the following actions to stay cool:

• Drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
• Avoiding direct sun exposure, for example, by sitting under a tree, wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat, or using an umbrella.
• Taking a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place; take cool showers.
• Rescheduling strenuous outdoor activity or planning outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.
• Blocking the sun out by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day.
• Never leaving 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.

More information on protective measures can be found on KFL&A Public Health’s website kflaph.ca.