Humidex advisory in effect, City issues heat warning
Posted Jun 8, 2011 04:40:23 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – A humidex advisory has been issued for the city and Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a heat warning. Temperatures are expected to hit 34 degrees and that could put the humidex above 40 Celsius.
Dr. Isra Levy, from the Medical Officer of Health is reminding Ottawans that heat is hardest on the elderly and chronically ill. When temperatures reach extreme heat it can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.
1310s Meteorologist Richard Zurawski said Thunderstorms are always expected in such weather but could be unpredictable about when they actually hit. Zurawski said residents should expect possible thundershowers.
To avoid heat-related illnesses, Ottawa residents should:
- drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol
- avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
- avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure
- wear lightweight and loose clothing
- spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres
- never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down
Ottawa Public Health has a Heat Action Plan:
That plan includes monitoring the weather forecasts for heat and smog, notifying service providers and media when heat thresholds are met, and offering protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions. The smog and heat thresholds are:
- Smog Advisory (based on air quality index (AQI) of > 50)
- Heat Alert (Humidex of 36 or more for a least two consecutive days)
- Heat Warning (Humidex of 40 or more for at least two consecutive days)
- Heat Emergency (humidex of 45 or more or situational factors)
