Toronto and the GTA are set to wrap up their first true heat spell of 2026, with a cool‑down arriving Tuesday night after two days of mid‑summer‑like temperatures and sticky humidity.
Environment Canada’s heat warning remains in effect for now, but relief is finally on the way.
Toronto Pearson Airport hit 31°C on Monday, officially marking the hottest day of 2026 so far. The heat arrived earlier than usual this season, following a stretch of cooler‑than‑normal spring weather.
The heat will continue on Tuesday with a high of 29°C before tapering off to 17°C on Wednesday as rain showers move in.
The affected areas of the heat warning include: Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Halton, Peel and Niagara.
Environment Canada meteorologist Kristina Kretchman says the sudden shift to hot weather may feel “dramatic” because of recent below-normal temperatures, but a hot spell at this time of year isn’t particularly unusual. Toronto had similar conditions in 2017, with temperatures near 30°C feeling like 34°C and warm, but not heat warning temperatures in 2021.
The meteorologist says a warm air mass from the U.S. is moving up into Ontario, bringing extra heat and moisture.
“Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others,” Environment Canada wrote in its advisory. “Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.”
“Call 911 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke, which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness,” it added.
The City of Toronto says it has activated its Heat Relief Strategy and is coordinating services and monitoring conditions around the clock with a focus on keeping residents safe.
Officials have extended the hours of five cold spaces across the city starting on Monday:
- North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, East York Civic Centre and Metro Hall are open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- North York Civic Centre is available 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
It has also opened 168 splash pads across the city, which are available from dawn until dusk throughout the Heat Warning.
The City says an additional 112 shelter spaces will be available starting Monday at noon for people experiencing homelessness. It is also working with food charity Second Harvest to distribute 250,000 bottles of water to community organizations.
Four mobile water trailers will also be available by noon on Monday, offering water fountains and bottle filling stations at:
- Nathan Philips Square
- Mel Lastman Square
- East York Civic Centre
- Etobicoke Civic Centre
With files from The Canadian Press