Windsor-Essex baking as Environment Canada issues heat warning

 Windsor-Essex baking as Environment Canada issues heat warning.

A heat warning is in effect for all of Windsor and Essex County through Thursday as a humid airmass spreads across the region. Environment Canada issued the alert Wednesday morning, saying maximum daytime temperatures are expected to reach 30 Celsius to 32 C. When the humidity is factored in, the temps will feel more like 40 C.

And there won’t be much of a break overnight as lows will be between 20 C and 22 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, officials said. Environment Canada is hedging its bets regarding relief from the heat saying, “a cooler airmass may arrive by Thursday night.” Officials said during a heat event health risks are elevated for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with physical and/or mental illnesses and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

They recommend drinking plenty of water, even before feeling thirsty, to decrease the risk of dehydration. “Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration,” officials said. Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle as temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Windsor and Essex County municipalities have numerous options for those seeking cool relief, particularly those who can’t find it at home.

Community centers, libraries, pools and splash pads are open throughout the region. On the tail of Canada’s hottest year on record, Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast above-normal temperatures across most of Canada for this summer. There have already been a number of local heat warnings issued this year, beginning in the spring.