Heat warning in effect for Kingston and area

Environment Canada and KFL&A Public Health have both issued a heat warning for Kingston, and area on Friday, Jul. 17, 2020.

The heat warnings have been issued for the Kingston, Frontenac Islands, Odessa, Napanee, and Consecon, and advise of a prolonged period of hot weather, which will continue throughout the weekend.

A hot and increasingly humid air mass will begin to affect eastern Ontario on Saturday and last through at least Sunday. Cooler and less humid conditions may arrive on Monday.

Daytime highs will be between 31 and 34 degrees Celsius, with overnight low temperatures staying above 20 degrees Celsius. Humidex values will reach high 30s on Saturday, Jul 18, 2020, and increase to near 40 on Sunday, Jul 19, 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.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the air quality health index approaching the high risk category.

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. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

During a Heat Warning, Environment Canada advises that residents should watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.

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 telephone or virtually check on friends, and family members, especially those at higher risk, and those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.

To provide residents with some relief, the City will have Cool Down locations available for the duration of this heat event, which allow for physical distancing.  Sites may be added and/or hours may change based on need.

Cool Down Locations 

• Calvin Park Branch, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, 88 Wright Cres.
• Central Branch, Kingston Frontenac Public Library,130 Johnson St. 
• Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, 382 Bagot St. 
• 362 Montreal St. 

Residents are advised to call ahead to confirm if locations are open and/or have capacity to support physical distancing.