Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Extreme heat alerts hit Ontario as Toronto bakes in 35 degree swelter


Summer officially begins on June 20 at 7:09 p.m. ET, but for many residents sweltering in a heat wave baking southern areas of Ontario and Quebec, it already feels like mid-season.
Toronto issued an extreme heat alert Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to soar to 35C by the afternoon. If the temperature does reach 35C, it will break a new record for June 20.
An advisory on Toronto’s city website warns that isolated adults and seniors are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness or heat stroke. “Other groups at risk include people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are marginally housed or homeless,” the advisory reads.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat, headache and extreme thirst.
The city has opened cooling centres around the city for those in need of a chill. A map is available on their website showing locations around Toronto.
The best way to deal with symptoms of heat-related illnesses is to drink lots of water and get to a colder place. Water is better than pop and many juices because sugar dehydrates your body. If symptoms continue, see a physician.

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