Toronto/CMEDIA: As much of southern Ontario is in the grip of record-breaking temperatures, Toronto is now in the third day of an extreme heat wave.
Although the temperature is expected to dip slightly today, the city will still see a daytime high of 33 C which with humidity may feel closer to 40.
It has been reported that “fresher air” has already moved its way into some locations in northwestern Ontario and could head for Toronto once the current westerly winds shift somewhat later on Tuesday afternoon with a notable cooldown overnight with the temperature expected to dip to a low of 20 C.
It was confirmed by Environment Canada that Monday was officially the hottest day Toronto has seen in nearly a decade as the city braces for the third consecutive day of scorching temperatures.
The temperature hit 36 C at Pearson International Airport on Monday, making it the hottest June 23 on record and the hottest temperature recorded in the city since July 13, 2016.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) advised residents to take precautions amid the extreme heat.
In a statement Monday afternoon, TPH said, “Extreme heat can cause serious health risks for people of all ages, including heat stress, heat stroke, and, in severe cases, death,” warning that the effects of the heat can be worse for infants, older adults, and anyone with preexisting health concerns.
Even though Tuesday’s daytime high temperature of 33 C is cooler than Monday’s record-breaking heat, residents in the city are expected to make it feel in the low 40s and face muggy conditions.
People have been cautioned by the experts to stay indoors whenever possible and stay hydrated
15 outdoor pools are open for residents to cool off, including several with extended hours during the heatwave, said the Toronto city after some unexpected closures over the weekend.
Power outages and even some school closures occurred in Toronto on Monday due to extreme heat.
Wednesday is expected to bring some reprieve from the sweltering conditions which will see a high of 28 C, feeling like 33 when factoring in humidity.
Environment Canada forecasts that there would be rain and daytime highs of 22 C and 24 C for Thursday and Friday respectively.
