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By Nikita Ganovicheff

Summer Heat

Heat warnings issued for Northern Saskatchewan communities

Jul 22, 2019 | 1:52 PM

Environment Canada issued heat warnings for several parts of Northern Saskatchewan.

The heat warning is in effect for Île-à-la-Crosse, Buffalo Narrows and Beauval and reaches as far North as Uranium City.

Meadow Lake and surrounding communities are not under the heat warning but is expected to have a high of 30 Celsius on Tuesday.

A heat warning is issued on most of Northern Saskatchewan. Community members of Beauval, La Loche and other northern communities are asked to stay cool and watch for signs of heat-related illnesses. (Government of Canada)

The cause of the warning is a ridge of high pressure building over the western Prairies. Temperatures are expected to reach 30 C during the day and overnight lows near 14 C for more than two days which prompted the warning. Environment Canada expects the temperatures to last until mid-week.

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Dr. Simon Kapaj, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Medical Health Officer, said the high temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.

“As temperatures rise, you need to take extra care to keep as cool as possible in order to prevent any heat-related illness,” Kapaj said. “Heat illnesses are preventable. It is particularly important for babies, young children, the elderly and anyone who is ill or has chronic health conditions like breathing problems, mental illness, and heart problems to stay out of the heat.”

Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness/fainting, nausea/vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination with unusually dark urine.

The SHA advises to stay out of the sun during peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and to wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and loose fitting cotton clothes. They also advise people to avoid extreme physical exertion, stay hydrated with cold water and to stay in the shade when outside.

People are asked to look out for others and check on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and ensure that children and pets are not left alone in parked vehicles.

Anyone caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating is asked to call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical assistance.

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nikita.ganovicheff@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @Nikitaganov