Heat alerts in effect as temperatures soar across the province

Heat alerts in effect as temperatures soar across the province

August might be coming to an end, but New Brunswick is getting some of its hottest weather of the summer.

With temperatures expected to reach above 30 C in places on Tuesday, the Department of Health issued a level one heat alert for the St. Stephen, Fredericton and Oromocto areas.

A level one alert says certain vulnerable people, including the young, older adults, homeless people and socially isolated people, are at risk because of extreme heat.

People with chronic health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and people using certain medications are also at risk.

Alerts are issued when the humidex, a measure of how hot people feel because of high humidity and temperature combined, is between 35 and 39.

According to Environment Canada, the humidex is expected to climb to the high 30s throughout the province on Tuesday.

In the Fredericton and St. Stephen areas, temperatures are expected to reach 31 C, with a humidex of 39 throughout the day and a 30 per cent chance of rain overnight.