Hot and humid weather moving into Southern Manitoba for the weekend and Environment Canada has issued a ‘Heat Warning’ for Westman including the City fof Brandon. Humidex values could reach 38 degrees for the next 3 days.
A hot and humid air mass will build into southern Manitoba over the next few days. Daytime highs will climb into the low thirties with overnight lows in the low twenties. The humidity will increase as well with dew point values climbing into the upper teens or even the low twenties at times. Combining with the heat, humidex values will reach the upper thirties in the coming days.
Temperatures will moderate early next week, but daytime highs are expected to remain in the high twenties.
Extreme heat affects everyone.
-Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
-Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
-Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water
-Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
-Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
Extreme heat affects everyone. Heat illnesses are preventable. To reduce the health effects of heat:
– Plan outdoor activities during cooler times of the day and take into account the COVID-19 restrictions.
– Take a cool shower or bath or take a break in a cool location, such as an air-conditioned building or a tree-shaded area.
– Stay out of direct sunlight and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat or shade yourself with an umbrella.
– Drink plenty of water, before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place. If you must go out, take water with you.
– Keep your house cool. Block the sun out by closing curtains, blinds, and awnings during the day
– Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
– Check on family, friends and neighbours. Check regularly on people living alone, especially older individuals or people with health conditions. Make sure they are cool and drinking water.
– Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, and the worsening of some health conditions.
– Watch for signs of heat stroke (which may begin with headache, hot skin, dizziness or confusion) and take action immediately.
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.
For more information on heat and your health:
– Visit Manitoba Health at: http://www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html
– Call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
For current information on COVID-19, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/index.html and for information on COVID-19 and Heat accommodations, visit https://www.manitoba.ca/covid19/fundamentals/weather.html
For more information specific to workplaces and heat strain, visit https://www.safemanitoba.com/News/Pages/Heat-Strain-at-Work-with-Dr.-Denise.aspx
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to MBstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
