This weekend looks like another hot one! The Middlesex-London Health Unit anticipates that Environment and Climate Change Canada will issue an Extended Heat Warning beginning Saturday, August 9th to Monday, August 11th as temperatures will reach 32ºC during the day on Saturday and 33ºC on Sunday and Monday. Overnight temperatures are not expected to cool off significantly, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. We are notifying everyone to be prepared, take precautions to be safe and check in on family, friends, and neighbours, especially those who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding the public to take steps to stay cool and to keep hydrated during this heatwave and recommends the following tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel very thirsty.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, including coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible and plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Avoid turning on electric lights in your home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles and unnecessary idling.
• Avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.

Extended Heat Warnings are issued when one or more of the following criteria are met:

• Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a forecast calling for a daytime high of 31ºC or higher and a forecast low of 20ºC or higher for three consecutive days or longer, or
• Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex of 40 or higher for three consecutive days or longer, or
• Environment and Climate Change Canada Forecasters anticipate that actual temperatures and humidex values in London and Middlesex County will reach the thresholds noted above.

For a list of cooling centres in the City of London visit: https://london.ca/cooling-centres.

For a list of Middlesex County Libraries, where residents can cool down, visit: https://library.middlesex.ca/Locations.

For more information on heat-related illnesses visit: https://www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat.