Bright sunshine and hot temperatures are on the way for Saturday and Sunday, prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue the first Heat Warning of the season. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for highs of 31º Celsius for the next two days with temperatures falling to 20º Celsius Saturday night, before rain moves into the region on Monday, bringing slightly cooler weather. The Heat Warning will come into effect on Saturday, June 5th and will be active until temperatures are expected to drop overnight into Monday, June 7th.

The Health Unit issues Heat Warnings when one or more of the following criteria are met:

• Environment Canada issues a forecast calling for a day-time high of 31º Celsius or higher and a forecast 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.

“The high UV index that we’re expecting to accompany these hot and sunny conditions will bring challenges of its own that people need to be aware of,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It will not only be key to stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun, it will also be very important to cover exposed skin with light, loose-fitting clothes, and to use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 to protect exposed skin.”

While the Health Unit recommends continuing to follow public health guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distance, people are reminded of the following tips to avoid potential heat-related illnesses:

• 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 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.
• 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