Woodlands County and Yellowhead County are currently under a Heat Warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on Tuesday, July 16.
ECCC says daytime highs are expected to range between 28 to 36 degrees Celsius for the next eight to 10 days with overnight lows only dropping down to 12 degrees Celsius.
Anyone who anticipates spending extended periods of time outside is being advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves from heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day.
- Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible.
- Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated.
- Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time.
Residents are also being reminded to monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in individuals who can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors and individuals with pre-existing conditions including by not limited to lung, heart and kidney issues as well as diabetics and individuals with mental health issues.
Symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion include high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion and unconsciousness.
Experts with ECCC believe this heat warning may be extended beyond the initial eight to 10 days.
Heat warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada when very high-temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
