Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the entire Ottawa Valley as temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees today with the humidex. A hot and humid airmass is expected through Wednesday. As the week progresses, daytime highs are expected to be 30 to 34 degrees Celsius. The hottest day looks to be Tuesday. Overnight lows will be in the high teens to low twenties bringing little relief to the heat. Humidex values and daytime highs will be very atypical of early September. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category. The risks are more significant for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors. Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and the worsening of some health conditions. Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. Check on older family, friends, and neighbors. Make sure they are cool and drinking water Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle. Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)
