Much of New Brunswick will be sweltering over the next few days under this season’s first heat wave.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for southern, central and eastern regions of the province.
“A combination of very warm temperatures and elevated humidity will create very high humidex values over the next several days,” the weather agency said in a statement.
Daytime highs will range from 30°C to 32°C, but humidex values between 34 and 39 will make it feel much warmer.
It will not be much cooler at night either, with overnight lows hovering around 18°C to 20°C.
Jill Maepea, a meteorologist at Environment Canada, said we often see heat like this much earlier in the summer.
“The last two or three summers, we’ve seen heat warnings in June,” said Maepea. “It is quite late for our first heat warning.”
Maepea said if you are looking for a bit of relief, areas along the Fundy Coast will benefit from Mother Nature’s free air conditioning.
Saint John and County, Grand Manan and Coastal Charlotte County, and Fundy National Park are not included in the heat warning.
“Because of that southwesterly flow, generally in these areas, we’re expecting the temperatures to be around 20 degrees and humidex values may approach around 30,” said Maepea.
Thunderstorms are also likely Thursday night and into Friday due to the warm and humid airmass, she said.
Maepea said more long-term relief will come later Sunday as a cold front brings a return to more seasonal temperatures.
Public Health says young children and older adults, the homeless and socially isolated, people with chronic health conditions, and people using certain medications are most vulnerable and at risk during extreme heat.
Officials say you can take the following actions to help prevent heat illness:
- Drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water, before feeling thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing.
- Keep the sun out with curtains or blinds.
- Plan outdoor activities around cooler parts of the day.
- Avoid exposure to the sun.
- Never leave someone or a pet in your care inside a parked car.
- Spend a few hours in a cool place such as a shaded park.
- Frequently check-in with vulnerable family members or neighbours to make sure they are coping well.
- Avoid using the stove for cooking a meal.
- Take cool showers or baths until refreshed. Use your air conditioner if you have one.
- Make arrangements to spend time or sleep in a cooler place.
- Sprinkle clothing with water.
- Splash cool water on your face and back of neck.
- Organizers of sporting events should modify the rules to accommodate additional water breaks or consider rescheduling outdoor activities.
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