New Brunswick’s first heat wave of the summer will continue through the end of the weekend.
Heat warnings remain in effect for southern, central and eastern regions of the province.
Inland areas will see temperatures in the low 30s with humidex values nearing 40.
Jill Maepea, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said we may even set a few records.
“A lot of the records for most areas of the province are well above 30 degrees but we will have those localized sites that are just near 30 degrees so we are anticipating some daily temperature records to be broken over the next four days,” said Maepea.
No records were broken on Thursday, but a number of communities saw high temperatures above 30°C.
Miramichi was the hot spot in the province with a high of 32.6°C. Other communities that surpassed 30°C included Sussex, Fredericton and Moncton.
The highest humidex value recorded by Environment Canada was in Sussex, where it felt like 41 by mid-afternoon.
Areas along the Fundy Coast will remain much cooler over the next few days, with highs expected to be around 20°C and humidex values close to 30.
Maepea said it will be late Sunday before all areas see a return to more seasonal temperatures.
Heat waves lasting for this length of time are not unheard of in New Brunswick, according to Maepea.
“Four days is climbing to a bit unusual but it’s not out of the ordinary for the end of July for New Brunswick,” she said.
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.
