Take Precautions During Hot, Humid Conditions

A multi-day heat event is expected this weekend, starting Sunday, June 22, 2025. Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) encourages residents to be prepared and to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.   

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is forecasting high daytime temperatures along with humidity. Overnight temperatures are not expected to drop by very much and so will offer little relief from the heat. 

ECCC will issue a heat warning when temperature or humidity conditions reach established criteria and are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.   

While extreme heat can affect everyone’s health, the risks are greatest for: 

• older adults;
• infants and young children;
• people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses;
• people who work in the heat;
• people who exercise in the heat;
• people experiencing homelessness; and
• people with low income (who may not have access to air conditioning). 

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Huron Perth Public Health recommends you take measures to protect yourself and others from over-exposure to extreme heat:  

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. You may be dehydrated before you start feeling thirsty. 
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. 
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric. 
• Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place, such as a tree-shaded area or air-conditioned space.  
  • Contact your municipality, visit your municipal website, or call 211 for hours and locations of any nearby cooling centres. 
• Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed. 
• Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in the oven. 
• Block sun out by closing curtains or blinds during the day. 
• Avoid sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella. 
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight. 
• Check in on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those with chronic illness, to make sure they are cool and hydrated. 

Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash and heat cramps (muscle cramps). These illnesses can affect a person quickly. Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include:  

• Headache 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat 
• Extreme thirst 
• Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine 
• Changes in behaviour in children (e.g. sleepiness) 

If you have any of these systems following exposure to high temperatures, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best. 

Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, confusion, being unconscious or stopping sweating. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone with symptoms of heat stroke. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by: 

• Moving them to a cool place, if you can 
• Applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing 
• Fanning the person as much as possible. 

Pollution levels tend to be higher on hot days. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) can be used to determine local air quality and help you make decisions to protect your health. The current and forecast AQHI for Ontario is available at www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi. 

Follow Environment Canada’s weather forecasts at www.weather.gc.ca so you can plan ahead to stay safe in hot and humid weather. You can also receive weather and air quality alerts from “EC Alert me” by signing up at https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/.