Hot, humid and hazy conditions in Waterloo Region

It’s a hot, humid and hazy start to the week. CTV’s Colton Wiens walks us through some safe spaces to go when the air quality declines.

The heat and humidity continues in southern Ontario, but now a haze has also settled over parts of the province.

Environment Canada warned of a prolonged heat spell on Friday, saying daytime temperatures could range from 29 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius and feel closer to 35 to 40 with the humidex.

The agency also said there would be little relief overnight, with the lows only reaching 19 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius.

The multi-day event started on Friday and is expected to continue until Thursday night.

Air quality alert

Environment Canada also issued an air quality warning on Sunday due to the smoke coming from forest fires in northern Ontario. The agency said it could cause poor air quality and reduce visibility.

According to IQAir, a Swiss air quality tracker, downtown Kitchener had a rating of 142 at 1 p.m. That was considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups” based on guidelines set out by the World Health Organization. Toronto, by comparison, had the sixth worth air quality in the world during the timeframe.

Environment Canada advised limiting time outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible, using a good quality air filter in ventilation systems or a certified portable air cleaner and, if working outside, wearing a mask such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator.

“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” the agency said. “More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”

The special air quality statement is expected to continue all day Monday and possibly into Tuesday.

Signs of heat illness

Heat illness is a serious concern when the mercury rises, especially in older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, those with physical or mental illnesses, people with mobility issues, those who work outside and the homeless community.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Extreme thirst
• Dark urine and decreased urination
• Intense fatigue
• Confusion or lack of coordination
• Skin rash
• Muscle cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is considered a medical emergency.

Those symptoms include:

• High body temperature
• Very hot, red skin
• Confusion or change in consciousness
• Dizziness or fainting
• No sweating

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, experts advise moving them to a cool place, giving them water and placing ice packs on their body. Call 911 immediately.

Beating the heat

The key to avoiding heat illness is to plan ahead.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Know the weather forecast before going outside
• Modify your plans according to the weather
• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, even before you feel thirsty
• Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
• Seek shade
• Avoid sun exposure if you can
• Take breaks as needed
• Avoid using your oven
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Take a break by spending a few hours in a cool place
• Close blinds and shades,
• Turn on air conditioning or use a fan

Cooling centres

The best way to get relief from the heat and humidity is to seek out a designated cooling centre.

The Region of Waterloo has locations listed on their website. They include libraries, community centres, museums and regional offices.

The map also includes a list of public swimming pools and splash pads.

Protecting your pets

Leaving pets inside a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes, could be dangerous.

Dogs can experience heatstroke, which could lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death.

Signs of an overheated pet include:

• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Collapsing
• Lethargy
• Tongue can appear red or hang out of their mouth

If your pet is suffering from the heat, it’s a good idea to gradually cool them down.

Experts suggest using a cool blanket or towel that is wet. Avoid using ice.

Owners should keep pets at home when the temperature climbs but if they need to go outside, keep them off the pavement as much as possible, only go for a short walk, or take them out in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.