Lambton County’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a heat alert and opened cooling stations across the region.

According to Environment Canada temperatures are expected to reach the low 30s with a humidex of 40 and above. The hot weather is expected to stay in the area until Wednesday.

Officials with Community Health Services say heat effects everyone but older adults, infants and young children are particularly at risk as are those with chronic illnesses.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness caused by lack of fluids with symptoms including heavy sweating, paleness, fatigue, dizziness and muscle cramps.

Heat stroke is dangerous with symptoms including loss of consciousness or confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, a high body temperature and hot, red dry skin.

Health Services officials say you should drink plenty of water, find a cool place in air conditioning, avoid being in the sun between 11am and 3 pm and avoid using your oven if possible.

Cooling centres have been set up at The Oil Heritage District Community Center in Petrolia, at the municipal offices in Dawn-Euphemia, Brooke-Alvinston and the Moore Sports Complex.