Manitobans urged to keep cool as humidex expected to hit 40 C

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/07/2018 (2994 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the face of a weekend forecast that called for intense heat and extreme humidity, a Manitoba medical officer of health has issued a dire warning for people to keep their cool.

“If you end up with heat stroke, you can die,” Dr. Richard Rusk said Friday. “You need to be careful.”

Humidex values are expected to exceed 40 C in some parts of the province, Environment and Climate Change Canada said Friday. It issued heat warnings for southern Manitoba, The Pas, Wanless, Westray and Clearwater Lake Provincial Park.

Such warnings are issued when high temperatures or humidity are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

The high humidity, on top of scorching temperatures, can be deadly, Rusk said. It’s tougher for people to cool off and lower core body temperature when their sweat doesn’t evaporate with so much moisture in the humid air, he said.

“When your core temperature ends up going all the way to 40 degrees and you stop sweating — now you’re getting heat stroke and you’re in trouble,” Rusk said. “Those are the people we really have to work on to drop their core temperature and get fluids into them.”

Rusk emphasized the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.

If you have outdoor activities, schedule them during the cooler hours of the day. “It’s a great reason to say, ‘Don’t do the gardening this weekend.’”

Also, take frequent breaks from the heat, Rusk said.

“If you don’t have air conditioning, go down to a (coffee shop) or the library or the swimming pool — even if it’s just getting your feet in — even if it’s in a kids’ paddling pool. At home, you can get into a cold tub.”

Rusk offered the oft-repeated hot weather advice about wearing sunscreen, a hat, long loose-fitting clothing and to try and stay in the shade. He also asked the public to look out for their neighbours.

“In the winter, we worry about wind chill; in the summer, we worry about humidity,” he said. “It’s exactly the same as when there’s a blizzard.”

Check on people who are vulnerable — young children, the elderly and people who are socially isolated, he said. Those with lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions are especially at risk for heat stroke.

If someone is showing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion — such as high body temperature, persistent headache, lack of sweat, confusion and nausea — they need emergency medical help, Rusk said. “As Manitobans, we check on our neighbours. It’s exactly the same in the heat.”

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca