Monitor for signs of overheating as the heat warning continues

While you're out and about enjoying a summer weekend, one expert wants you to be aware of the signs of overheating. This comes as a heat warning continues for the Halifax area.

“In general, you can start out with cramping where you get some muscle pain. That's when you're really depleted of liquids and salt in your body,” explained Daniel Rainham, an associate professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University.

“This can lead very quickly to heat exhaustion. That's when you're really sweating a lot, you may feel ill or nauseated, your muscles are cramping up, you're tired, you may have a headache.”

If that happens, he said it's time to take action like moving into the shade or air conditioning, and drink a lot of water or a sports drink.

If not, it could progress to an emergency situation like heat stroke, which could cause confusion, loss of consciousness or even seizures

Rainham recommends checking in on elderly family members and neighbours as they are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. 

Young children and those who work outside are also at a higher risk.

The hot and humid weather is expected to last throughout the weekend.

As of Saturday morning, meteorologists are still saying relief is on the way Monday. Daytime highs for early next week are forecast to be in the lower 20s.