With local temperatures forecasted to climb above 30°C early next week, Grey Bruce Public Health is reminding residents and visitors to take steps to prevent potential heat-related illnesses.

Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says daytime temperatures in Grey-Bruce are expected to reach 31°C Sunday, 32°C Monday, and 30°C Tuesday, with nighttime temperatures expected to remain above 21°C from Saturday to Monday.

ECCC issues Heat Warnings for southern Ontario communities when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31°C or warmer and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to fall to 20°C or warmer. 

These temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses, which can include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps.

Anyone can develop a heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat. Heat illnesses can develop quickly and can lead to long-term health problems and even death.

People at higher risk include older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant individuals, people experiencing homelessness or who live in substandard housing, people with disabilities or who are on certain medications, newcomers to Canada, and people who work, exercise, or play sports in the heat.

To stay safe during extreme heat events, residents should avoid sun exposure, limit physical activity, and drink plenty of cool liquids. Water is best.

Other ways to reduce the risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

• Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabric;
• Engaging in outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day;
• Taking a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, such as a cooling centre, air-conditioned building, or shaded area;
• Taking cool showers or baths;
• Blocking out the sun while indoors by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds;
• Shading yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella; and
• Asking your health care provider or pharmacist if the medications you are taking or any health condition you may have increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, a headache, dizziness, and nausea. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place, if possible. 

GBPH is asking residents to check on loved ones and vulnerable community members during periods of extreme heat to ensure they’re staying cool and hydrated.

Public Health has created an Extreme Weather webpage with additional information on the potential health impacts of extreme heat, how to respond to and protect against heat-related illnesses, and available resources, including public cooling centres in Grey-Bruce.