London and Middlesex County will get a blast of hot and humid weather before we turn the calendars over to June. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for sunshine with a high of 30º Celsius and a humidex of 37 for today. While today’s conditions are not enough to meet the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for issuing a Heat Alert, it will be a different story Tuesday. That’s when daytime temperatures are expected to reach 31º Celsius with humidex values of 36 and conditions remaining muggy overnight with a low of 20º Celsius. The one-day Heat Alert will be in effect until Wednesday, when showers and cooler temperatures are expected to move into the area.

“Despite the beautiful weather over the weekend, it’s been a while since we’ve had this kind of heat, and sometimes we need a reminder about how to avoid heat-related illnesses that can occur with hot and humid conditions,” says David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It’s important to plan ahead for the conditions and to dress accordingly. Of course, if you’re going to be exerting yourself by working or playing outdoors during the warmest times of the day, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.”

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:

David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit