London, ON – Scorching heat will bathe the London and Middlesex County region in hot and sticky weather tomorrow that will make it feel like the high 30s, prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue a one-day HEAT ALERT. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for the mercury to climb to a high of 32 Celsius on Friday with humidex values reaching 38, exceeding the Health Unit’s thresholds for the public notification.

“The young and the young at heart will be celebrating Canada Day this weekend, enjoying the sunshine and outdoor activities. While this heat alert will only be in place tomorrow, it’s going to take some planning to enjoy the weekend to the fullest,” says Dave Pavletic, Environmental Health Manager with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “That means taking breaks in air conditioned spaces, seeking shade when outdoors, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, using sunblock and covering exposed skin with light clothing.”

The Health Unit issues heat-related weather advisories when certain conditions are expected. This allows local residents, schools, daycares and businesses to plan their outdoor work and activities appropriately. Depending on the expected daytime high temperatures and the number of days those temperatures are expected to last, specific extreme temperature notices are issued based on the following criteria:

- Heat Alerts are issued when one or more of the following criteria are met:

• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a day-time high of 31 Celsius or higher for one day, or;
• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex value of 40 or higher for one day.

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

• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a day-time high of 31 Celsius or higher with a minimum day-time low of 20º Celsius or higher for two consecutive days, or;
• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex of 40 or higher for two consecutive days.

- Extended Heat Warnings are issued when one or more of these criteria are met:

• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a day-time high of 31º Celsius or higher with a minimum day-time low of 20º Celsius or higher for three consecutive days or longer, or;
• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a Humidex of 40 or higher for three consecutive days or longer.

Visit: www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat for more about heat-related illness, and/or humidity.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469
or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Dave Pavletic, Environmental Health Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit