HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL AT LEAST JULY 8, 2022

Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the communities of Aklavik Region, Fort Good Hope Region, Fort Liard Region (including Nahanni Butte – Sambaa K’e), Inuvik Region, Norman Wells – Tulita Region, South Delta Region (including Ft. McPherson and Tsiigehtchic), and Wrigley Region. Temperatures will be reaching at least 29 degrees Celsius on July 4th with high temperatures lasting for the rest of this week.

Exposure to extreme heat can result in heat-related illnesses including heat stroke. Symptoms of severe heat illness include: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; headaches; rapid breathing; extreme thirst and decreased urination. People at higher risk of adverse health impacts include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses or on certain medications, and those who spend large amounts of time outdoors.

You can reduce your heat exposure and risk of illness by wearing loose-fitting/light weight clothing, staying hydrated, closing curtains and windows during the hottest hours, using air conditioners or fans, taking a cool shower or bath, visiting air conditioned buildings, and scheduling outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day. Workers and their employers should develop plans to work safely.

People, especially children, and pets should never be left inside a parked vehicle during high temperatures.

During heat waves, residents, communities, and service providers should check in at least twice per day on those who are at highest risk of heat illness, especially the elderly and those who are homeless or socially isolated. Anyone feeling unwell due to the extreme heat should seek medical attention.

You can find additional information on the health effects of extreme heat:

• https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/sites/hss/files/resources/heat-warning-aug2018.pdf
• https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.html(link is external)

For additional information on local weather conditions, visit:

• https://weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=NT(link is external)
• https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nt(link is external)

For more information contact:

Jeremy Bird
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Service
Government of the Northwest Territories
Jeremy_Bird@gov.nt.ca(link sends e-mail)
(867) 767-9052 ext 49034