It is going to be another Monday spent looking for ways to cool down in London and Middlesex County.
Environment Canada expects the temperature to climb to 31 C by the afternoon, but feel more like 36 C because of the humidity. The sweltering conditions have led the Middlesex London Health Unit to issue a one-day heat alert, the second Monday in a row such an advisory has been in effect for the region.
“While rain showers are projected for later [Monday], temperatures are high enough to meet the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s criteria for a one-day heat alert,” the health unit said. “The overnight temperatures are expected to offer a reprieve, dropping to 20 C.”
In order to avoid heat related illness, the health unit advises people do the following:
• Drink plenty of water and natural juices throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Avoid turning on electric lights in your home.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid eating heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during extended periods of excessive heat.
• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.
The heat alert will be lifted Tuesday morning, when the daytime high is only expected to reach 24 C.
