It is the fourth day of the heat wave that has smothered parts of the island with sweltering conditions that are not conducive to a good night’s sleep. Yesterday was a record in San Juan with the temperature reaching 30 degrees for the first time in almost a decade.
Rodney Barney, meteorologist at the Gander Weather Bureau, says the previous YYT high for this date was 28.9 in 1952.
It was the first time since 2013 that Sant Joan reached 30.3 degrees. Records were also set in Badger, the province’s hot spot, where temperatures reached as high as 32 degrees. Gander, Bonavista, Twillingate and the Burin Peninsula also set records.
Smoke is drifting downwind from wildfires 70 to 100 km southwest of Gander, and is heavily concentrated near the surface. Barney says the smoke is expected to gradually dissipate as temperatures rise and winds pick up during the day.
People may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or difficulty breathing. Children, the elderly, and people with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
Meanwhile, the province’s chief medical examiner is warning the public about the dangers of extreme heat.
Dr. Nash Denic says exposure to high temperatures can cause serious illness or even death, especially for vulnerable populations.
He says children, the elderly and those living with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions are more likely to suffer serious side effects from the heat.
Dr. Denic says that while dehydration is the leading cause of heat-related illness, those with pre-existing conditions are at risk even while hydrated. He says people with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk of heart failure and stroke as a result of overheating.
Some of the symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache and fatigue. Dr. Denic says if you have symptoms of heatstroke, you should get treatment right away.
He says the first step should be to cool your body with a cold shower and drink plenty of cold water.