MEDIA ALERT
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Extended Heat Warning Issued for the County of Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and City & County of Peterborough
(AUGUST 8, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (now legally merged) are informing that Environment Canada is forecasting hot, humid weather over the next several days. An extended heat warning is being issued for the region starting tomorrow, August 9th, through to Tuesday, August 12th. The County of Haliburton is forecasted to cool down a day earlier, ending the warning in that region on Monday. Daytime highs are forecasted to reach up to 31°C, with a humidex up to 39. Overnight lows are expected to remain around 20-23°C, providing little relief from the heat.
The Health Unit is taking protective action by alerting the public of extreme heat events to prevent and reduce heat-related illnesses and direct community response and outreach to at-risk and priority populations. Based on criteria from Environment Canada, the Health Unit will issue the following alerts:

• Heat Warning: when the daytime temperature is expected to be 31°C or higher, with a minimum overnight low of 20°C or higher, for two (2) consecutive days. A heat warning can also be issued when the humidex is forecast to be 40 or higher for two (2) consecutive days.
• Extending Heat Warning: when the same conditions apply above, but the heat event is expected to last for three or more days in a row.
  Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can be very dangerous, especially to those most vulnerable to health risks including people who work outdoors, people who are unhoused, elderly and some people with disabilities or chronic diseases, people who are pregnant, and children and infants. Residents are strongly encouraged to check in on neighbours and family, particularly those who may be at higher risk. Checklists to help complete heat health check-ins can be found at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/heatcheckin.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• tiredness and weakness
• dizziness and/or fainting
• rash
• nausea or vomiting
• rapid breathing and headache
• extreme thirst
• decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water. If you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature, hot flushed or very pale skin, and is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating, call 911 immediately. These are signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency!

MEDIA ALERT
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To help reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses during an extreme heat warning:

• Stay hydrated; drink lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day and avoid direct sun.
• Keep your home cooler by closing blinds and curtains, turning off heat-generating lights or appliances, and preparing meals that don’t use your oven.
• Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
• Take a cool bath/shower or cool down with cold, wet towels.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity.
• If your home feels too hot, plan to spend some time in a cool, public space.
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.
• Pay attention to how you feel and check-in with others (i.e., family and neighbours).

Find tools to complete heat health check-ins at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/heatcheckin

Contact your local municipality to ask about designated public cooling centres or visit public spaces such as libraries or malls that are air conditioned, or local beaches and splash pads.
Extreme heat events have been increasing in the context of climate change, and our region is at health risk of extreme heat as shared in the Climate Change and Vulnerability Health Assessments from the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health. Extreme heat can be dangerous. Knowing how to prepare and keep cool will help you stay safe and healthy. Find more information, tips, resources and active local heat alerts at hkpr.on.ca/Heat or peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ExtremeHeat.

Did You Know We Merged? As of January 1, 2025, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health merged to form the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health (legal name only). Efforts are currently underway to develop an operational name and a brand identity. In the meantime, you will see logos and other marketing material from both legacy organizations. You may also see references and documents using the legal name Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health. Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.
Media Contacts:
Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services,
HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca
1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212