This week, a heat dome that transforms cities into convection ovens is pushing into Canada, starting in Ontario and then moving on to Quebec and the Maritimes. Environment Canada is forecasting scorching temperatures that could feel like 45 C in parts of Ontario, issuing a heat warning for the area that spans London to Ottawa, stretching up to Sault Ste. Marie and as far north as Fort Albany.

The Greater Toronto Area and other southern parts of the province will see temperatures soar to 35 C starting Monday, with humidity making it feel more like 40 to 45 C.

As heat waves become increasingly common across Canada, so too does the threat of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are particularly at risk.

Here is advice for how to keep yourself, your home and your pets cool during heat waves, plus information about the health risks that can be caused by extreme heat.

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Health Canada and local governments offer some tips on how to keep cool during heat waves, including:

If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, here are some practical ways to cool it down:

In the long term, ensure any outdoor space, even just a small balcony, has some greenery. Artificial surfaces such as concrete absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes – a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. The difference in daytime surface temperatures between urban and rural areas can be as high as 15 degrees.

Extreme heat can also be dangerous f weed stores near me or our pets. Here are some ways to keep them cool:

Muggy air, sweltering humidity and high temperatures are uncomfortable, but extreme heat can also lead to dangerous consequences, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive loss of wa dames gummy co ter and salt, and can cause heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, diarrhea and muscle cramps.

The most serious type of heat illness is heat stroke, which is the result of body heat overload. Heat popcorn weed stroke symptoms may include a core body temperature of 40 degrees, rapid breathing, confusion, nausea and complete or partial loss of consciousness.

“Your brain likes to be at a given temperature, so once it gets hot, it stops processing well,” said Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency physician in Yellowknife and former president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. “That’s a sign that the person’s body is having trouble coping.”

A lab at the University of Ottawa is currently studying the effects of rising temperatures on human health, particularly among the elderly and those living with chronic illness. Trials showed older participants not only gained heat at a faster rate, but they also saw their temperatures plateau at a higher level than the younger subjects.

If you or someone in your life falls into these categories, be sure to protect yourself and others as much as possible during heat waves. Health Canada recommends arranging for regular visits by family members, neighbours or friends who can help identify signs of heat illness.

If you are experiencing any heat illness symptoms, move to a cool place and drink liquids right away. If you are with someone who is showing symptoms, fan the person as much as possible, move them to a cool place and apply cold water to their skin or clothing. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 immediately if you are caring for someone “who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating,” says Health Canada.

With files from Kathryn Blaze Baum, Ivan Semeniuk, Matthew McClearn, Danielle Groen and The Canadian Press.