Record temperatures in parts of N.S. as heat warning extended to Cape Breton

Environment Canada extended its heat warning to Cape Breton Friday morning after parts ofmainland Nova Scotia saw record temperatures Thursday.

The national forecaster is warning ofdaytime temperatures between 29 and 32 Cacrossthe province throughout the weekend with cooler temperatures along the coast.

Humidity could make it feel as hot as 40 Cparts of the province.

Both Debertand Greenwood reached record high temperatures Thursday.

The temperature in Debert wasjust under 33 C the previous record, set in 1894, was 31.1 Cwhile Greenwood reached a daily maximum of 35 C, just over two degrees higher than its 1991 mark.

Marie Johnstonenormally rides her bike once or twice a week from her home in Coldbrook to work in Greenwood, but not this week. She drove when she saw that the humidex would be 40 Thursday afternoon.

"I thought, 'No, I'm not taking it.'And I'm glad I didn't." she said. "You could almost see the heat coming off of the tarmac, it was so hot."

Johnstone said she's seen the weather change since moving to Nova Scotia 18 years ago. She said she didn't need an air conditioner then, butcan't imagine living without one now.

Bermuda high

CBC meteorologistTina Simpkin saidthe current heat and humidity is being kept going by a ridge of high pressure known as a Bermuda high, a typical summer pattern for Atlantic Canada.

"For Atlantic Canada, the Bermuda high being slightly east of Bermuda means anincrease in moisture as measured by the dew-point temperatures," Simpkin said."It means humid air and hot humidex values."

Environment Canada issues heat warningswhen daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 29 Cfortwo or more consecutive daysor when two or more consecutive days of humidex values are expected to reach 36 or higher.

Temperatures are expected to turn cooler Sunday evening.

Nova Scotia Health gives the following advice to avoid heat-related illnesses:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Stay in shaded or cool areas.
• Take frequent breaks if you have to work outside.
• Wearlightweight, light-coloured clothing.
• Avoidleaving children, infants or pets unattended in vehicles.
• Checkon older neighbours and others vulnerable to heat-related illness, and offer air-conditioned shelter and water if needed.