Health officials in London have issued a one-day heat alert for the area as base temperatures are expected to remain above 30 C for the next 24 hours.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) put the alert in place Wednesday afternoon on top of a heat warning issued by Environment Canada on Tuesday.
The weather agency's forecast for Thursday is predicting that temperatures will reach 31 C with humidex values close to 40 C. Overnight conditions will offer very little relief from the heat as the temperature is expected to remain above 20 C.
While hot and hazy weather is known to blanket southwestern Ontario in the summer, the health unit's environmental health manager David Pavletic said it's still important to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses.
"If you plan on spending time outdoors tomorrow, one of the most important things you can do to beat the heat is to have water close by so you can stay hydrated," Pavletic said. "If you’ll be outside for any length of time tomorrow, it will also be important to take breaks so you can get relief from the heat."
MLHU is recommending that you beat the heat by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water or natural juices throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. If possible, avoid spending excessive time outdoors, or plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. Keep your blinds or curtains drawn in rooms on the sunnier side of your home, wear loose-fitting, light clothing and use a fan to draw cool air into your home at night if you don't have air conditioning.
Symptoms of a heat-related illness may include headache, dizziness, confusion or other altered mental state and fainting. An individual's skin may be hot and dry, or the person may be sweating due to high body temperature. If you believe you are suffering from heatstroke, call 911 immediately.
The heat alert is expected to remain in place by the health unit until Friday morning when temperatures drop to 25 C.
