Intense heat and humidity set to infiltrate Atlantic Canada

This week will see a period of intense heat blanket Eastern Canada, and may also get humid enough to break some records in many areas.

A strong ridge of high pressure will builds over the eastern U.S. and the Great Lakes, sending temperatures into the 30s and humidex values into the 40s.

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The same heat and humidity will also begin to impact Atlantic Canada by Tuesday, with daytime highs and humidex values similar to its Ontario and Quebec counterparts. Many June, and even some all-time, humidex records on the East Coast will be in peril.

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Air sinks beneath a strong ridge, warming up as it descends toward the surface. Hot, muggy winds blowing straight from the Gulf of Mexico will add tropical humidity to the mix.

Record-breaking humidex values are possible across the Maritimes on Wednesday for New Brunswick. It will be Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island's turn on Thursday.

June Humidex records being challenged:

• Fredericton: 43.5 (June 17, 1994)

• Moncton: 40.6 (June 28, 1969)

• Halifax: 40.2 (June 25, 2005)

• Charlottetown: 39.7 (June 24, 1975)

Temperatures are expected to be in the low-to-mid 30s but the humidex values will make it feel closer to the low-to-mid 40s. Very little relief will be felt overnight as temperatures will only dip into the mid-to-low 20s.

Watch out for heat-related impacts, such as heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. Remember to drink plenty of water. Avoid strenuous work outdoors.

The heat and humidity will also fuel daily thunderstorm risks, so people will need to be weather-aware.

Looking ahead, the heat dome and the humidity could potentially break Friday and bring cooler temperatures through the weekend.

WATCH: How living in a heat dome can impact your body

Click here to view the video

Increased potential for heat-related illnesses

Extreme heat is a leading weather-related cause of death around the world, claiming more lives every year than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Hot temperatures are truly a silent killer.

Folks who are highly susceptible to the heat include those in homes without air conditioning, elderly people, unhoused people, outdoor workers, those living with chronic health conditions, and folks taking certain medications.

Check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours over the coming week. Stay alert for the signs of heat-related illnesses.

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Heat exhaustion occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs too high and they struggle to cool off. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, excessive sweating, and weakness. Developing heat exhaustion is a serious sign that your body is in distress and you need to find a way to cool off immediately.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when a person’s body temperature is so high that their vital systems begin to shut down.

Thumbnail courtesy of Pexels.

Stay tuned to The Weather Network for more updates on the heat wave across Atlantic Canada.