The heat warning residents need to take seriously this week

Anyone looking for relief from the heat should check with their local municipality for cooling centre locations and hours.

Southeast Public Health is warning people across the region to take ongoing extreme heat seriously as temperatures stay dangerous into the weekend.

The health unit says an orange heat alert remains in place for parts of its service area, including communities in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington, and Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

The alert was issued after Environment Canada forecast extreme heat that could push temperatures as high as 36 C. The heat is expected to continue until at least Friday, July 3, and may last into Saturday.

Public health officials say heat-related illness can happen quickly after short periods in high temperatures. Residents are urged to drink water throughout the day, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible and avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.

People are reminded to check on family members, neighbours and friends, especially those who may be vulnerable.

The health unit says older adults, infants, young children, pregnant people, people with chronic medical conditions or mental illness, people with limited mobility, outdoor workers, and those who are underhoused or experiencing homelessness face a higher risk during heat events.

Symptoms that may require immediate medical attention include nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, rapid or difficult breathing, severe headache, confusion, convulsions and fever.

Residents are also warned never to leave children, adults or pets in parked vehicles.

Anyone looking for relief from the heat should check with their local municipality for cooling centre locations and hours. The health unit is also encouraging residents to monitor heat warnings through Environment Canada and the WeatherCAN app.

Story by Bob Perreault