July 19, 2024
Province Issues Heat Advisory for Northwest Manitoba
Hot and humid conditions are forecast for parts of northwest in Manitoba. Higher temperatures and humidity levels are expected through the weekend and possibly longer. Communities including Flin Flon, The Pas, Pukatawagan, Lynn Lake, Grand Rapids, Norway House Cree Nation, and as far south as Hunter’s Point are expected to reach daytime of 29 C or higher and/or a humidex of 34 C or higher.
Overnight temperatures are not expected to drop below 16 C over this period.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is reminding Manitobans to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness.
Everyone is at risk for the effects of heat, though health risks are greatest for:
- older adults;
- infants and young children;
- people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or mental illnesses;
- people who work or exercise in the heat; and
- people living alone.
During a period of prolonged heat, older adults, people with chronic illness and people living alone have a particularly high risk for heat-related illness, especially if they live in an urban area or do not have air conditioning.
Heat illnesses are preventable. The health effects of heat can be reduced by:
- drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty;
- wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat;
- planning outdoor activities during cooler times of the day;
- limiting alcohol consumption;
- avoiding sun exposure and consider cancelling or rescheduling outdoor activities;
- never leaving children or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight;
- going to a cool place such as a mall, community centre, public library or place of worship;
- taking a cool shower or bath; and
- blocking sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness:
- regularly check on neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are ill or living alone, to make sure they are cool and drinking water;
- if dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache and/or fast breathing occur during high temperatures, immediately move to a cool place and drink water and note emergency medical care may be needed depending on the severity of symptoms.
If emergency medical care is needed for someone who has a high body temperature or is unconscious or confused, call for help and while waiting for help, cool the person right away by:
- moving them to a cool place if possible,
- applying cold water to large areas of the skin or clothing, and
- fanning the person as much as possible.
For more information on heat and health, call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257 or visit the following links:
- Manitoba Health: www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html.
- Health Canada: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.html.
- For workplace concerns: www.safemanitoba.com.
- Updated weather forecasts are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada at https://weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html.
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