Heat Warning Issued for Most of Ontario as Dangerous Humidity Approaches
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for a large part of Ontario, as very hot and humid weather is expected to start Sunday and last until Tuesday.
The weather agency says temperatures will reach between 31°C and 36°C during the day, with humidex values feeling like the low to mid-40s. The worst of the heat is expected on Monday, but the humidity will be at its highest on Sunday, especially in the Greater Toronto Area.
“This will be some of the hottest air we’ve seen in a while,” said CityNews meteorologist Carl Lam.
Stay Safe in the Heat
Environment Canada is reminding people to take the heat seriously and protect themselves and others. They say to check in on elderly people, those living alone, and anyone who might be more at risk during the heat.
Signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and feeling very tired. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and drink water.
Also, never leave children, pets, or anyone else inside a parked car.
Environment Canada says this summer will likely be hotter and more humid than usual.
Busy Weekend in Toronto
Toronto has many events happening this weekend, like the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, PLAY! Taiwan Music and Food Fest, and several Pride celebrations.
“With so much going on, it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. The UV index will be very high,” said Lam.
There will be little relief from the heat at night. Temperatures will only drop to the low or mid-20s, with humidex values staying in the low 30s overnight. This makes it hard for your body to cool down while you sleep.
Lam added that Monday will be the hottest day, with temperatures in the mid-30s and humidex values again reaching the low 40s. Tuesday will still be very warm, but there might be a few rain showers in the late afternoon.
City of Toronto Offers Cool Spaces
To help people cool down, the City of Toronto is opening over 500 cool places like libraries, community centres, and pools.
The city’s 58 outdoor pools will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. this weekend. Eight pools will stay open later, until 11:45 p.m.:
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Alex Duff Pool (779 Crawford St.)
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Giovanni Caboto Pool (1367 St. Clair Ave. W.)
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Sunnyside Park/Gus Ryder Pool (1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.)
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McGregor Park (2231 Lawrence Ave. E.)
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Monarch Park (115 Felstead Ave.)
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North Toronto Outdoor Pool (200 Eglinton Ave. W.)
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Smithfield Park (175 Mount Olive Dr.)
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Halbert Pool (24 Rockwood Dr. – open until 9 p.m. only)
Splash pads will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 15 wading pools will also be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend.
