THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for a large part of Northwestern Ontario. The City of Thunder Bay is expecting highs today of +31c. The forecast is calling for sunny conditions this morning then a mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers this afternoon. There is a risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon in Thunder Bay.
For the areas not right around Lake Superior, there are heat warnings in effect.
Heat Warning in effect for:
- Atikokan – Shebandowan – Quetico Park
- Upsala – Raith
- Dryden – Ignace
- Kenora – Vermilion Bay
- Red Lake – Pickle Lake
- Webequie
- Geraldton – Longlac – Caramat
- Manitouwadge – Hornepayne
- Nakina – Aroland – Pagwa
Very warm temperatures are expected once again today. Highs today will be in the low thirties and overnight low temperatures in the 16 to 20 degree range. This Heat episode will end on Tuesday when a cold front with showers or thunderstorms is expected to cross the regions.
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for
– older adults
– infants and young children
– people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses
– people who work in the heat
– people who exercise in the heat
– people without access to air conditioning and
– homeless people.
Drink plenty of liquids especially water before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
Never leave people or pets in your care inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
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.
During a Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, individuals with limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and those who are homeless.
Members of the public are advised to beat the heat by taking these precautions:
• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty.
• Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls or one of many local libraries or community centres located in each neighbourhood.
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down.
• Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and, when outdoors, wear a
wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
• Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car.
Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for vulnerable residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check on those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.
