Meteorologist warns of unusual humidex as heat settles over region

Humidex values come with advice to avoid exertion, as well as warnings about a higher risk of heat stroke if values reach over the 40-range. The yellow Heat Warning issued by the weather service said to watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Russell Grant, president of the Saskatoon Paramedic Association, said they’ve already been responding to some humidity-related incidents.

“We have definitely seen a spike in heat-related calls,” Grant shared.

Experts recommend spending less time outside during the hottest part of the day – late morning to late afternoon — drinking lots of water and using a fan indoors to help evaporate sweat off your body.

It’s important to also watch for signs of heat stroke; feeling uneasy, a headache and dizziness can all mean it’s time to go inside to cool off. Feeling thirsty, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness can also be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, as well as extreme dizziness or acute confusion.

“You can become unresponsive in extreme circumstances, and those are times when people need to recognize that and call 911 immediately,” Grant warned.

Heat exhaustion can typically be rectified with drinking water and getting out of the heat, he said. This can usually be accomplished by the patient on their own but as symptoms worsen, help might be needed.

Should paramedics be needed, Grant said they would immediately remove someone from the heat, cool their body with air conditioning and cool packs and usually start an IV to help rehydrate that person’s body with fluids.

“It’s not something that we’re very used to in Saskatchewan,” Grant said of the high humidex. “Usually, we have a dry heat, so people may not really realize how much the humidity does affect dehydration.”

He suggested electrolyte substances be consumed as indicated or on the advice of a medical professional to help with hydration in highly humid conditions.

“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate really is the main thing,” Grant said.

For those who are heading outside for the purpose of sweating – to run or bike in the summer heat – it is recommended doing those activities more slowly in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler, drinking lots of water and limiting time for those activities.

The forecast in Prince Albert called for a high of 29 C on Saturday with a 60 per cent chance of showers. Sunday’s forecast calls for sunshine and a high of 30 C. Battlefords has a slightly lower chance of showers Saturday with a high of 29 C and 31 C for Sunday. Melfort is expected to reach 29 C on Saturday and 33 C on Sunday. La Ronge has a chance of showers in the forecast both Saturday and Sunday with temperatures hovering between 26-29 C. Overnight low temperatures will remain high as well, not dropping below 14 degrees. Daytime highs aren’t expected to drop below 25 C for the remainder of the week.

Corrizeau said the possibility exists for more storms to hit on Saturday, so people in the province will want to keep an eye on the temperature as well as the skies over the weekend.

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-With files from CKOM

by paNOW

Meteorologist warns of unusual humidex as heat settles over region

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