WEATHER ALERT: Heat warning issued for southern York Region

Yorkregion.com
July 4, 2016
By Chris Simon

Hot damn.

It’s about to get a lot warmer in this area over the next two days. Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for parts of southern Ontario - including the southern portion of York Region that includes Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham - Tuesday and Wednesday. According to the weather agency, temperatures will climb to about 31 C during daytime hours, with overnight lows dipping to a still-warm 21 C.

Heat warnings are issued when high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of illness, such as heat stroke or exhaustion.

Extreme heat can greatly affect older adults, young children, anyone with chronic illnesses or breathing problems, those who work outside or homeless people.

Warning signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache, weakness, confusion, nausea or vomiting.

“Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty, to decrease your risk of dehydration,” reads a statement on Environment Canada's website.

During hot weather, residents should avoid outdoor physical activity, wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and avoid sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or whenever the UV index is expected to reach three or higher, York Region representatives advised in a press release.

Anyone without access to in-home air conditioning is urged to visit climate controlled sites such as shopping malls, community centres and libraries.

Also, avoid leaving children and/or pets in parked vehicles or direct sunlight.