Humidex values will reach 40 for Thursday and Friday. Daytime highs at or above 32 degrees Celsius with overnight lows above 16 degrees Celsius are also expected.
Temperatures will increase further Thursday and Friday over southern Manitoba as an upper level ridge moves over the area, bringing extreme daytime temperatures and humidex with little overnight relief.
A slight reprieve is likely beginning late Friday into the weekend as the warmest air shifts southward, though temperatures will remain well above seasonal into early next week.
Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health.
The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.
Limit direct sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat and/or an umbrella.
Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.
Keep your house cool. Turn on your air conditioning (if possible), block the sun by closing curtains or blinds, or relocate to a cooler location such as a basement or public cooling centre.
All workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool or shaded space.
Extreme heat affects everyone. Heat illnesses are preventable. To reduce the health effects of heat:
– Take a cool shower or bath or take a break in a cool location, such as an air-conditioned building or a tree-shaded area.
– Stay out of direct sunlight and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or shade yourself with an umbrella.
– Drink plenty of water, before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. If you must go out, take water with you.
– Keep your house cool. Block the sun out by closing curtains, blinds, and awnings during the day
– Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
– Check on family, friends and neighbours. Check regularly on people living alone, especially older individuals or people with health conditions. Make sure they are cool and drinking water.
– Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, and the worsening of some health conditions.
– Watch for signs of heat stroke (which may begin with headache, hot skin, dizziness or confusion) and take action immediately.
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For more information on heat and your health:
– Visit Manitoba Health at: Heat and Your Health | Health | Province of Manitoba
– Call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
For more information specific to workplaces and heat strain, visit Heat Strain at Work with Dr. Denise Koh | SAFE Work Manitoba (safemanitoba.com)
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
