A heat event is expected to begin on Sunday, July 14 and may continue to Tuesday, July 16.

Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to be 29 to 31 degrees Celsius with, feeling near 40 degrees Celsius with humidity. There will be little relief at night as minimum temperatures are expected to be near 20 degrees Celsius.

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 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.
• Take a cool bath or shower or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity outdoors in the heat.
• 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.
• Check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be at high-risk for heat injury, particularly seniors or those with other chronic illnesses.

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 31º Celsius or higher and a forecast low of 20º Celsius or higher for two consecutive days, or
• Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex of 40 or higher for two consecutive days, 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 more information on heat-related illness and cooling centres, visit: https://www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat