Today, walking outside will feel like walking into a warm, damp mist in Chatham-Kent, as temperatures will reach into the low 30s, but the humidex is expected to top 40C.
It’s the start of a heat wave. Environment Canada has issued a heat warning that could last until Sunday.
And that has Chatham-Kent Public Health officials concerned. In high temperatures and humidity, your body may not be able to cool properly which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat-related illness may include: rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.
If you have these symptoms, we suggest moving to a shaded or air-conditioned area, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting. Contact your health care provider, a friend or a family member.
Heat strokes are considered a medical emergency.
Call 911 immediately if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature, is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.
Friends, family and neighbours should check on those who may be vulnerable and subject to any symptoms of overheating and who may need help keeping cool or taking other preventative actions.
Heat related illness can affect the elderly, very young, people with chronic illnesses, and even healthy people if they participate in strenuous activities and do not take precautions.
For more information on the issued Heat Warning, please visit: https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on16.
To help stay cool, for folks who don’t have ready access to air conditioning, the municipality has opened up its cooling centres.
Here’s what’s open for the public and when:
Hope Haven, 183 Wellington St. W, Chatham, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from today through Saturday.
Ashley’s Place, 75 Queen St., Tilbury, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from today until Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
James St. Drop-In Centre, 719 James St., Wallaceburg, from today through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
Municipal centres and Libraries are also available to get out of the heat. For a list of available centres and their hours of operation, visit: https://www.chatham-kent.ca/services/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx.
For a list of library locations and their hours of operation, visit: Branch Information (chatham-kent.ca).
