Heat warnings issued for most of New Brunswick

Most of central and southern New Brunswick is under a heat warning, with soaring temperatures expected until Thursday evening. With the humidex, some areas of the province will feel as hot as 40 C.

"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," the Environment Canada warning says.

Two of the province's major cities, Fredericton and Moncton, are included in the warning.

CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin said it's going to feel "hot and steamy" and encouraged New Brunswickers to take precautions. 

"Just act like it's a heat warning even if you're not in it because even with the humidex, most areas are going to feel like in the 30s, if not 40s." 

Province issues heat alert

In New Brunswick, heat warnings are issued when temperatures are expected to reach 30 C or warmer and nighttime minimum temperatures reach 18 C for at least two consecutive days. Or, when humidex temperatures reach 36 C for two or more consecutive days. 

According to Environment Canada, older adults, people living in poverty, those with chronic illnesses and people living alone are vulnerable during extreme heat. 

Other health problems caused by extreme heat include fainting, muscle cramps and the swelling of hands, feet and ankles.

Randy Sharpe is particularly concerned for the elderly today but said, "hopefully, we don't have too many days like this."

Sharpe, along with many other families, could be found at the Wilmot Park splash pad in Fredericton on Wednesday  afternoon, trying to beat the heat. 

Others, including Sarah Hilworth, were trying to take advantage of the heat.

"We're down here at the splash pad with our little one and enjoying the last few hours of sunshine here," she said.

In Fredericton, publicly accessible air conditioning, water fountains, splash pads and swimming areas can be found on city hall's interactive map.

"It's great to have these kinds of facilities here in Fredericton, and I hope that the city continues to build more parks and more facilities" Hilworth said. "I think the investment would be definitely appreciated by a lot of families here and we just love the splash pad and it's nice that it's free."

The city does not have an official cooling station, but residents can use public air-conditioned spaces at the Grant Harvey Centre, Willie O'Ree Place or the Fredericton Public Library.

Miramichi also lacks a cooling station, but water fountains can be found at Ritchie Wharf, French Fort Cove and the Visitor Information Centre. 

The City of Moncton is warning residents about the heat and recommends that people drink fluids, stay in the shade and plan activities during cooler parts of the day.