Toronto – Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a Heat Warning for Toronto with dangerously hot and humid conditions expected through most of the week. ECCC is forecasting daytime high temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45, and nighttime temperatures of 20 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30.
Extreme heat poses significant health risks including heat stress, heat stroke and even death. Vulnerable populations such as infants, seniors, those with certain health conditions and people who work or spend a lot of time outdoors are particularly at risk.
Tips for staying safe during hot weather include:
- Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, even when not thirsty.
- Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day.
- Seek shade or use an umbrella to avoid direct sun exposure.
- Use a fan to circulate cool air indoors when the temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius.
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to block out the sun.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hats outdoors.
- Take cool showers or use cool, wet towels to cool down.
- In an emergency, always call 911.
More information and tips for preventing heat-related illness can also be found on the City’s Keep Cool webpage.
Cool Spaces
To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents during the summer season, the City of Toronto activates its Heat Relief Strategy from May 15 to September 30 each year.
A key part of the strategy is the Heat Relief Network where people can access Cool Spaces across the city including libraries, community centres and pools, to seek relief from summer heat.
Yesterday, the City’s 10 wading pools and 10 outdoor pools opened ahead of schedule to provide residents with more options for staying cool during hot weather. For more information, including pool hours, visit the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage.
An interactive map of all Cool Spaces is available on the City’s website.
About Heat Warnings
ECCC issues Heat Warnings when:
- Two or more consecutive days are forecasted with daytime maximum temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius or higher, together with a minimum nighttime temperature of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, or
- When two or more consecutive days are forecasted with humidex values reaching 40 or higher.
The City of Brampton also is offering heat relief as a Heat Warning is now in effect for Peel Region until further notice. Heat relief locations are available in all public access buildings, including City Hall, recreation centres and libraries during regular business hours.
Splash Pads and Wading Pool access
Splash pads and the Chinguacousy Park Wading Pool are open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, weather permitting. View locations, hours and operational status updates here.
Restrict outdoor activity
Residents are encouraged to restrict outdoor activity. It is also recommended the public stay out of the sun, drink lots of water and stay in air-conditioned places or shaded areas.
Individuals at risk
Seniors and young children are particularly at risk and residents are encouraged to check in on friends and family who they think may be vulnerable.
Pets
Keep your pets indoors and only take them for short walks during times the heat is not at peak. If outdoors, limit time in the sun and provide shade. Also consider that if the pavement is too hot for bare feet, it is too hot for bare paws. Provide plenty of fresh water and keep air circulating indoors in hot temperatures, never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Be safe in the water
- Always keep young children within arms’ reach around the water.
- Never swim alone.
- Restrict and control access to backyard pools with fencing on all four sides.
- Put a life jacket on young children when in the pool area or at the beach.
- Choose lifeguard-supervised beaches and pools for swimming.
- Empty unattended wading pools and buckets of water if not in use.
- If you have a pool or cottage, ensure family members learn lifesaving skills
For more information on heat safety, visit brampton.ca and peelregion.ca.