Several days of hot and humid weather forecast for this week has prompted the Sudbury and District Health Unit to issue a heat advisory.
A heat advisory is issued when the humidex is expected to rise to or above 36 degrees Celsius for two or more days in a row.
As of 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, the humidex was listed at 39 degrees Celsius, nine degrees above the actual temperature of 30 degrees, according to Environment Canada. The temperature forecast for Aug. 31 has a high of 31 degrees Celsius, but the humidex is likely to rise to about the same level as Aug. 30.
The humidex is a temperature scale used in Canada that measures the level of personal discomfort resulting from a combination of heat and humidity. While the temperature does not register as high as the humidex temperature, the temperature feels like it is that high.
During such hot weather, the chance of heat-related illness rises. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death can happen when people are not careful in hot weather.
The very young, the elderly, people who exercise vigorously, are involved in strenuous outdoor work for long periods, and the chronically ill are the most likely to be affected by heat-caused illness.
"Anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses," Cheryl Harvey, a public health nurse with the health unit, stated in a press release.
The health unit suggests people remain cool by wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, drink plenty of water and 100 per cent natural juices, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, avoid going into the sun or heat when possible, keep lights low, take a cool bath or shower, take rest breaks, avoid heavy meals and oven use.
The health unit also suggest people with family members who may be more susceptible to the heat check in on those family members.
Signs of heat-related illness include rapid breathing, weakness, fainting, increased tiredness, headache, and confusion.
For more information, phone the health unit at 705-522-9200 ext. 418, or visit online at www.sdhu.com.
In case of emergencies, phone 9-1-1.
