It’s about to get hot in the Southeast, with a heat warning now in effect for Steinbach, Niverville, Grunthal, and other parts of southern Manitoba. Temperatures are expected to climb into the low to mid-thirties during the day and stay warm overnight, with lows of 16 degrees or higher from Sunday through Tuesday.
It will still be hot on Wednesday with a high of 30 and then periods of rain expected to begin Wednesday night. That will be followed by cooler temperatures.
Environment Canada is urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and those around them from heat-related illnesses. This includes checking on older adults, those living alone, and anyone with underlying health conditions. "Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health," the agency warns.
Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. If you or someone around you is experiencing these symptoms, stop your activity and drink water immediately. In more severe cases, heat stroke can occur, characterized by red, hot skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and changes in consciousness. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and attempt to cool them down while waiting for medical help.
To stay safe in extreme heat, health officials recommend drinking water before you feel thirsty, staying indoors during peak heat hours, and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. Residents are also advised to close blinds or shades, open windows if it’s cooler outside, and use fans or air conditioning if available.
Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, and always check the vehicle before locking to ensure no one is left behind. People are also encouraged to check on neighbours and family members, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
For more information on protecting yourself during extreme heat, visit Manitoba Health at manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html or call Health Links at 204-788-8200.