Here comes the heat in West Carleton

WEST CARLETON – Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an active alert for a heat warning in the West Carleton area.

“A multi-day heat event begins today (July 4),” Environment Canada released in a statement today.

Maximum temperatures are expected to hit the high 20s to low 30s (degrees Celsius), but the humidex will make temperatures feel like they are in the high 30s and low 40s.

Environment Canada expects the heat wave to last in to tomorrow (July 5).

Temperatures are expected to hit 32 C today and feel like 39 C. The evening low is forecast for 20 C. Thursday temperatures are expected to reach 32 C and feel like 38 C with an evening low of 21 C. Less than one millimetre of rain is also expected Thursday.

“Areas near the lakes could be slightly cooler than regions further inland,” Environment Canada said. “Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category. Extreme heat affects everyone. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.”

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.