Temperatures are soaring in the southeast as the current forecast shows those peaking above 30 degrees today, along with some relatively high overnight temperatures. Those combine to create some of the conditions for dangerous heat-related conditions, such as heat stroke.
Dr. David Torr, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, talks about both heat stroke and the lesser version, heat sickness.
"You'll feel weak and maybe have muscle cramps and some dehydration, that sort of thing. But with the heat stroke, it's much more severe and it's much trickier."
Heat stroke tends to kick in once the body's temperature rises above 40°C. A rise in temperature on that scale can cause internal organs, such as the stomach and kidneys, to be affected.
There are a lot of potential complications from heat, according to Dr. Torr, who encourages people to keep an eye on their health.
"There are so many terms that are used out there, there's heat sickness, there's heat exhaustion, there's heat stroke, heat stroke is the ultimate sort of more severe form. Heat exhaustion is when you have milder symptoms, and the same with heat sickness on the milder side, but heat stroke is certainly very dangerous. Much more serious stage of overheating."
In order to prevent illness or damage due to heat, Dr. Torr listed off some of the ways people can stay safe. These include:
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Staying somewhere with air conditioning or using a fan
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Wear cooler, lighter clothing
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Increase your water intake during any especially hot days
In the case of someone passing out from heat stroke, they should be removed from sunlight and placed in a cool area. People should also consider calling 911 in the case of a serious injury.