Scorching hot weekend forecast, health unit issues heat warning

The Middlesex-London Health Unit has issued a heat warning, asking residents to take care of themselves and check on loved ones and neighbours during another hot weekend. 

A heat warning is expected to be issued by Environment Canada on Saturday, to continue on Sunday. 

Temperatures will reach 31 degrees Celsius during the day and are not expected to dip overnight, health unit officials said. 

"We are notifying everyone to be prepared, take precautions to be safe and check in on family, friends, and neighbours, especially those who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat," officials said in a statement. 

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding the public to take steps to stay cool and to keep hydrated during this heatwave and recommends the following tips to avoid the risks of heat-related illness:

• 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 caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, including coffee and cola.
• When possible, avoid spending too much time outdoors. If you must be outside, seek shade as much as possible and 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 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 and unnecessary idling.
• Avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides, and gas-powered small engines.

For a list of cooling centres in the City of London visit: https://london.ca/cooling-centres

For a list of Middlesex County Libraries, where residents can cool down, visit: https://library.middlesex.ca/Locations.