The GTA, and most of the province, is under a heat warning that could see humidex values climb into the 40s this next few days
Environment Canada says the multi-day heat event will see daytime highs ranging between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius and the humidex making it feel like it’s as high as 40 C for at least the next two days.
The national weather service says there won’t be much relief from the heat at night with lows ranging between 19 and 23 C.
“The hottest days of this heat wave are expected to be Sunday and Monday with highs between 33 to 34 degrees, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of spots outside of the city and away from the cooling effects of Lake Ontario hit 35 or 36 degrees,” says CityNews Chief Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai.
“The humidity remains moderate right now with humidex values into the mid to high 30s. That’s going to change as we come out of the weekend, not only does the heat linger, but the humidity will continue to go up. We’re going from humid to very, very muggy and by Tuesday into the low 40s.”
The City of Toronto says all of its 58 outdoor pools will be operating with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the eight pools listed below will be open until 11:45 p.m. for as long as the heat warning is in effect:
- Alex Duff Memorial Pool at Christie Pits Park
- Fairbank Memorial Swimming Pool
- Heron Park Community Recreation Centre
- McGregor Park Community Centre
- Monarch Park
- North Toronto Memorial Community Centre
- Smithfield Park
- Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool
Alongside the City’s pools, more than 140 splash pads will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and all of the City’s 85 wading pools are open.
Ten supervised beaches are also open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can check the water quality status at those beaches on the City of Toronto’s website.
Residents can also find relief from the heat and humidity at more than 500 cool spaces across the city, including libraries, community centres, and the following air-conditioned civic buildings:
- North York Civic Centre – From 8 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. weekends until 9:30 p.m.
- Scarborough Civic Centre – From 8 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends until 9:30 p.m.
- Etobicoke Civic Centre – From 8 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends until 9:30 p.m.
- York Civic Centre – From 8 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends until 9:30 p.m.
- East York Civic Centre – From 8 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends until 9:30 p.m.
- Metro Hall lobby area (Rotunda) – 24/7
The hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.
Health officials caution that the warm, humid temperatures present health risks for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.
“Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty, to decrease your risk of dehydration,” Environment Canada says. “Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.”
Slightly cooler temperatures are not expected until Wednesday, bringing an end to the heat event.
This is the sixth heat warning issued for the GTA this summer, however, a severe weather meteorologist with Environment Canada says another heat warning could be issued later this month.