Heat warning extended in Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Halton Hills

These hot temperatures aren’t going away any time soon in Oakville and Burlington and the rest of Halton Region.

Halton Region has issued an extended heat warning through Friday (July 28) and into the weekend.

This follows on the heels of a heat warning issued by the region earlier in the week on Wednesday.

The warnings are issued when daytime temperatures are expected to climb to at least 31 C (Celsius) with overnight temperatures staying above 20 C.

The hot temperatures can be dangerous to the elderly, children and those with heath issues.

Dr. Jonathan Sam, Chief of Paediatrics at Oakville Memorial Trafalgar Hospital and Georgetown Hospital, said the temperatures can especially put children at risk.

“Summer’s here and it’s super exciting, but it also means the kids are outside more and there are more risks for consequences of being in the heat,” Dr. Sam said in a recent online video.

Extreme heat and humidity is a potential danger to all. Factors such as obesity, dehydration, fever, infection, sunburn and alcohol abuse can increase a person’s risk.

Those at greatest risk include:

• Older adults (over the age of 65)
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic illness such as heart disease or asthma
• People with physical or mental disabilities
• People who work in the heat
• People who exercise in the heat
• People who have limited resources to protect themselves

Heat illnesses Are:

When a person’s body temperature rises quickly and sweating is not enough to cool the body, heat illness occurs. High body temperatures can lead to:

• Heat stroke
• Heat exhaustion
• Fainting
• Heat cramps (muscle cramps)
• Heat rash
• Heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles)

Symptoms of heat illness

If you experience any of the following symptoms during extreme heat, immediately find a cool place and rehydrate by drinking liquids. Water is best.

• dizziness or fainting
• nausea or vomiting
• headache
• rapid breathing and heartbeat
• extreme thirst
• decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine

How to prevent heat illness

• Pay close attention to how you feel while outside in the heat
• Check-in regularly, by phone or video, with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially older adults who live on their own to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated to make sure that they are staying cool and hydrated.
• Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
• Close awnings and curtains to block out the sun
• Avoid sun exposure. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water before you feel thirsty
• Prepare meals that do not require cooking in the oven
• Take cool showers or baths
• Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle