It’s a scorcher for most parts of the island today with heat warnings out for the interior. Temperatures are forecast to hit 30 degrees today in some places with humidex values up across the board.
Meteorologist Dale Foote says people should drink plenty of water and try not to stay out in the sun for long periods of time.
Heat warnings are out for the region from Springdale through central Newfoundland to Terra Nova with overnight lows only going down to 18 degrees.
(File Photo: Mike Wahl)
This type of weather is not something to which we are accustomed so people should take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Caused by dehydration, it can start with less serious heat exhaustion but can quickly lead to potentially-fatal heat stroke.
Dr. Mike Wahl, a professor in the faculty of medicine at MUN, also hosts the Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle Show on VOCM. He says you have to be aware of symptoms like muscle cramping, a sure sign of a lack of fluid in the body.
At the highest level, the body actually starts to overheat to where the body temperature goes up to 40 C and the skin becomes dry, the pulse increases, some become confused and one can actually pass out, says Dr. Wahl. If you are sweating heavily, have cramping, a headache and are nauseous, it’s time to get inside and hydrate.
