Why warnings should worry you
Boxing Day is… four months from today! That’s a little reality check for those of you who are complaining about the heat. I’m the first to point out that extreme heat is dangerous and that warnings need to be taken seriously, but let’s not forget how fleeting the heat usually is in Atlantic Canada.
The heat and humidity have been building since Sunday; heat warnings kicked in at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The criteria for heat warnings vary from region to region.
Here in Atlantic Canada, heat warnings are issued when the following conditions are forecast:
NEW BRUNSWICK
• Two consecutive days with daytime highs at or above 30 C and overnight lows of 18 C degrees or warmer
Or
• Two or more consecutive days with a humidex reading of 36 C or more.
NOVA SCOTIA
• Two consecutive days with daytime highs at or above 29 C and overnight lows of 16 C or warmer
Or
• Two or more consecutive days with a humidex reading of 36 C or more.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
• Two consecutive days with daytime highs at or above 28 C and overnight lows of 18 C or warmer
Or
• Two or more consecutive days
with a humidex reading of 35 C or more.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
• Two consecutive days with daytime highs at or above 28 C and overnight lows of 16 C or warmer
Or
• Two or more consecutive days with a humidex reading of 34 C or more
The revamped heat warnings should encourage the public to take precautions at extreme temperatures; this will become even more important moving forward. Experts predict that over the next 30 years, the number of "extremely hot days" in a year is expected to more than double in some parts of Canada.
Already, heatwaves kill more people globally than tornadoes do.
Stay hydrated, find some shade or do as Grandma would do and put your “unmentionables” in the freezer for a few hours before you get dressed for the day.