Summer heat will roll into the London and Middlesex County region later today, and will persist tomorrow, but not before we get a break from the warmth overnight. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to reach 31º Celsius today and again tomorrow (Wednesday, July 10th), exceeding the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Heat Alert threshold. There will actually be two consecutive Heat Alerts, as temperatures tonight are expected to drop to just 15º Celsius, well below the criteria, before climbing to a high of 31º Celsius again tomorrow. While today’s forecast is relatively humidity-free, the muggy conditions are expected to return tomorrow as humidex values are expected to make it feel like 39, and continuing overnight Wednesday before the Heat Alert is lifted on Thursday.

Heat Alerts are issued when Environment Canada’s forecast calls for a day time high of 31º Celsius, or for a Humidex value of 40 or greater, for one day.

“While the weather will be hot today, it won’t feel as intense as some of the recent temperatures we’ve experienced. That concerns us because people may be less vigilant and not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun’s damaging UV rays,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It’s still important to cover exposed skin and use sunblock, as well as to wear a hat, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and to not overexert yourself outside.”

The Health Unit 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. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible. 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.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
• Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
• 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, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

Visit: www.healthunit.com/extreme-heat for more information on heat-related illness.

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

Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit