Heat and Air Quality Warnings Continue Across Region

By Scott Arnold

Lakelands Public Health is urging residents to take extra precautions as heat and poor air quality continue to affect Haliburton, Kawartha, Peterborough and Northumberland.

Lakelands Public Health is urging residents of Haliburton, Kawartha, Peterborough and Northumberland to take precautions to protect against heat and air quality-related illnesses (photo by scott arnold)

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued both a Heat Warning and an Air Quality Warning for the region, with health officials reminding residents that the combination of extreme heat and smoky air can increase the risk of illness.

Most of the region is under a Yellow Air Quality Warning, while Cobourg, Colborne and western Northumberland County are under an Orange Air Quality Warning. The Air Quality Health Index is expected to range from 6 (moderate risk) to 10+ (very high risk) over the next 24 hours.

The entire region also remains under a Yellow Heat Warning, which was first issued on Monday.

Lakelands Public Health says everyone can be affected by the heat and poor air quality, but the risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, those with heart or lung conditions, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those without access to cool indoor spaces. Residents are also encouraged to check in on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable.

With both warnings in effect, Lakelands Public Health says residents should prioritize staying cool while also limiting their exposure to poor air quality. Keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible, using an air purifier or high-quality furnace filter if available, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and checking the Air Quality Health Index before spending time outside can all help reduce exposure. If wildfire smoke is present, wearing a well-fitting respirator such as an N95 mask can also help reduce exposure to fine smoke particles.

Common symptoms of poor air quality include watery or sore eyes, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing and headaches. More serious symptoms, such as wheezing, chest pain or severe coughing, require immediate medical attention. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.

The prolonged heat also increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea, headache, extreme thirst and reduced urination with dark yellow urine. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cool place and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a body temperature above 39 C, hot, red skin, confusion, difficulty speaking, severe nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing or fainting. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should call 911 immediately.

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, avoid the hottest part of the day, limit strenuous outdoor activity and keep their homes as cool as possible by closing blinds and curtains and limiting the use of heat-producing appliances. People should also never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Residents looking to cool off can visit air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, shopping malls or designated municipal cooling centres, or spend time at local beaches or splash pads where available.

Daytime temperatures could reach 37 C, with humidex values climbing into the mid-40s. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain above 20 C, offering little relief from the heat. The current heat event is expected to end Thursday.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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