Heat continues to scorch N.B., eastern Canada

New Brunswick's capital city is bracing for another sweltering day as temperatures are expected to hit 32 C on Thursday.

Fredericton issued a Level 3 heat alert, citing an Environment Canada forecast that said temperatures are expected to rise and the humidex value could surpass 45 C.

A city news release said the rising temperatures "put everyone at extreme risk of heat-related illnesses and heat stroke."

The risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children, as well as for people with breathing issues.

Shortly after the heat alert was issued, the Fredericton District Soccer Association, the city's largest youth sports organization, cancelled all recreational games that were planned for Thursday.

The heat alert follows Fredericton's decision to issue a Level 2 heat alert on Wednesday when temperatures reached 32 C. Environment Canada is forecasting that the city will hit 32 C again on Thursday and 30 C on Friday.

The humidex in Fredericton made temperatures feel like 40 C or higher for four hours on Wednesday afternoon.

The continued heat is making life very uncomfortable for some workers.

Taking plenty of breaks

Ben Burnett was part of a crew building a deck for a home in Fredericton on Wednesday.

During the intense heat, he said he copes with the high temperatures by trying to take plenty of breaks, drinking plenty of water and staying in the shade as much as possible.

"It's just something you've got to do. You got to make hay while the sun shines. We complain about it all winter. And come when it's hot, we still complain about it," Burnett said.

"But you've got to do it. Yeah, we work outside a lot, so we're pretty good."

Level 2 puts everyone at some risk and Level 3 means everyone is at high risk for heat-related illnesses.

The heat alert issued by Fredericton on Wednesday is the first under a new system. The city is one of four smaller communities in Canada where the heat alert system is being tried out this summer.

Until now, such warnings have only been issued for large cities, such as Toronto or Montreal, but the federal government is testing the system in Fredericton, Windsor, Ont., as well as in Winnipeg and Assiniboine, Man.

Health Canada set up the alert system to evaluate the potential for heat-related illness, such as heat stroke.

Take precautions

The Department of Health is advising New Brunswick residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness over the next few days.

Persons at risk, including infants, older adults and those with chronic health issues, should take steps to remain as cool as possible and drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

Meanwhile, Environment Canada says it's not officially a heat wave until temperatures hit 32 C three days in a row.

New Brunswick may fall just short of an official heat wave if the temperature only hits 30 C on Friday. But people in parts of Ontario and Quebec have not been so lucky.

Public health officials in those provinces are urging people to keep cool as scorching temperatures continue, with no relief expected until the end of the week.

In Ottawa, the temperature hit 34 C by mid-afternoon and the mercury hit 32 C in Toronto. Montreal hit 34 C on Wednesday and the humidex made temperatures feel like 42 C.