Kingston and Surroundings Braces for Scorching Week

A significant heatwave is on its way to Eastern Ontario, with Kingston and nearby areas like Odessa and Frontenac Islands in the bullseye. Starting Sunday afternoon, residents can expect a sharp increase in temperature and humidity, making it feel much hotter than it actually is. This heatwave is expected to last through the week, with daytime highs ranging from 31 to 36 degrees Celsius. At night, temperatures will barely drop, staying between 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, offering little respite. The intensity of this heatwave is a cause for concern. The Humidex, which measures how hot it feels, is expected to reach values between 40 to 45. This means that the air will be thick and heavy, making it difficult to breathe and cool down. The heat is expected to stick around until at least Tuesday, with a cold front potentially pushing through. However, there's uncertainty about how far south this front will travel. If it stays north, the heatwave could extend into Wednesday for areas like southwestern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. It's crucial for residents to take this heatwave seriously. Extreme heat can affect anyone, but some people are more at risk. This includes older adults, those living alone, and individuals with certain medical conditions. It's important to check in on these individuals multiple times a day, either in person or over the phone. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, stop any physical activity and drink plenty of water. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone else shows signs of heatstroke, such as red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and changes in consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately. While waiting for medical help, try to cool the person down by moving them to a cooler place, removing extra clothing, and applying cold water or ice packs. It's also important to stay hydrated. Drink water often, even if you don't feel thirsty. To keep your living space cool, close blinds or shades and open windows if the outside temperature is lower than inside. Use air conditioning, fans, or move to a cooler part of your home. If your home is too hot, consider going to a cool public space like a cooling centre, community centre, library, or shaded park. Planning outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day can help beat the heat. Try to avoid direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Always check the vehicle before locking to ensure no one is left behind.