Yellow heat warning issued for Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent

Source: Environment Canada.

A yellow heat warning has been issued for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

It is in effect Monday with the possibility of extending to Thursday.

Maximum temperatures are expected to reach within the 30 C to 32 C range. Minimum temperatures will be 20 C to 22 C, with the humidex value sitting around 38 C.

A full look at your forecast is available at the bottom of this article.

Severe Weather Meteorologist Rob Kuhn says a warm front and a southwesterly flow around a large high-pressure system are pushing hot, humid air into the region.

“The next few days the afternoon temperatures are going to be in the low 30s, nighttime temperatures in the low to maybe even mid 20s, and peak humidex values getting close to 40 on the most humid days,” Kuhn said.

He says the hottest conditions will continue for the next few days before relief arrives later in the week.

“At this point it looks like the temperatures are going to be in the low 30s through Wednesday,” he said.

“We’re looking at a high of 32 on Wednesday and then Thursday a week cold front goes through and it drops at temperatures, not much, but the afternoon temperatures on Thursday will be in the upper 20s.”

Kuhn says while the calendar is about to turn, summer-like temperatures are expected to stick around.

“It’s important to note that September has become pretty well a summer month now. It’s been like that consistently since the late 1990s. Almost every year it’s been more summer than fall. This one seems to be starting out as well, no exception. The next couple of weeks look to be warmer than the long-term average,” he said.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent have issued a warning as well.

You are encouraged to follow these guidelines to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Never leave people or pets in a parked car
• Find cooler or air-conditioned spaces
• If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if heat increases your health risk. Be sure to follow their recommendations
• Check on elderly family members and neighbours daily to ensure they stay cool
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool, wet towels on your face, neck, or arms
• The use of a fan alone may not provide enough relief from the heat
• Avoid strenuous activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the hottest
• Avoid going out in the sun, if possible. If outside, wear sunscreen
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven
• Keep curtains closed to block the sun during the day

In Chatham-Kent, cooling centres and hours are available on its website.

Here’s a full look at your forecast:

Monday night: Showers ending in the early evening, then partly cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers. Risk of thunderstorms overnight. Low 22 C.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. 60 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon, risk of thunderstorms. High 32 C, humidex 40 C.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms. Low 22 C.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 32 C.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 29 C.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 27 C.

- With files from AM800.