Hot and humid conditions will be continuing into Saturday, according to a warning issued by Environment Canada.
Daytime high temperatures reaching the low thirties with humidex values in the mid- to upper-thirties are expected into Saturday.
There is a possibility that the heat event could stretch into Sunday, however cooler temperatures are expected at this stage, it said.
Overnight low temperatures near 20° Celsius will provide little relief from the heat.
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water. Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Durham Region Health Department advises of protective actions:
- If you do go outdoors, drink plenty of water, seek shade and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Or try to reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- Maintain physical distancing when checking in with vulnerable neighbours, friends and older family members.
- Never leave people or pets inside a parked car. Outside temperatures of 23°C /73°F can become dangerously hot inside the car with temperatures becoming higher than 50°C/122°F inside the car, which can lead to serious illness and death. Anyone seeing a person or pet unattended in a hot vehicle at any time should call 911 immediately.
- There are ways to keep your home cool even without an air conditioner. Close curtains or blinds during the day, open windows to cool your household in the evening, use a fan.
- If you must work outside or do physical activity outdoors, take extra breaks, drink lots of water and wear less gear, if possible. Remember to ensure to maintain physical distancing and stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart from co-workers and others.
- Durham Region outreach staff actively patrol the city to refer individuals without shelter or in need of services to resources in the community. If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter call 9-1-1 or visit the Region of Durham’s Emergency Shelters webpage or the City’s Unsheltered webpage at oshawa.ca/unsheltered.
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