Heat warning issued for Kingston and the area

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Kingston and the area on Friday, Jul. 5, 2019.

“A heat event will continue into Saturday. A hot and humid airmass is expected to remain in place into Saturday. Daytime maximum temperatures into the low 30 with humidex values near 40 can be expected this afternoon,” the warning reads. “Overnight minimum temperatures will remain near 20 degrees providing little relief.”

The heat warning is in effect for Kingston, Odessa, Frontenac Islands, Napanee, Consecon, Picton, and Sandbanks Park.

The national weather agency advises that extreme heat affects everyone, and that risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

“Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place,” Environment Canada said. “Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

This heat warning comes after Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the area indicating the heat and humidity would remain until Saturday, Jul. 6, 2019.

As of 1 p.m. on Friday, Jul. 5, 2019, KFL&A Public Health has also issued a heat warning, advising of possible adverse health effects.

“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,” KFL&A Public Health said in a press release.

The public health unit advises that 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 also encourages people to visit neighbours, friends, and older family members frequently, especially those who are chronically ill and those at higher risk, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.

For more information on protective measures from KFL&A Public Health, visit their website here: www.kflaph.ca.