Heat Warning: “Prolonged heat event” expected in Ontario – Environment Canada

TORONTO, June 16, 2024 – It is hard to imagine that in less than 24 hours Toronto and most of Ontario will be in the throes of its first heat warning of the summer. I mean after all, I had to actually wear a fleece for a short time this afternoon, as it was an incredible sunny but cool and breezy day. Well, that’s about to end as Environment & Climate Change Canada has issued a warning for “A prolonged heat event” that will begin on Monday.

How hot will it be and how long will the heat last?

Dangerously hot, humid and quite frankly, sweltering conditions are expected through most of the week. Daytime highs on Monday through much of the week are expected to be 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45.

The heat warning has been issued for pretty much the entire province of Ontario. The Monday morning commute temp will start off at about 20 °c but it will steadily climb to 29°c by noon, and 33° c. by 4 pm.

Thunderstorms in TO

For Toronto, thunderstorms are also a possibility for Sunday night into Monday, according to Canada’s national weather source.

Ontario towns and counties affectedby prolonged heat warning

Simcoe – Delhi – Norfolk; Dunnville – Caledonia – Haldimand; London – Parkhill – Eastern Middlesex County; Strathroy – Komoka – Western Middlesex County; St. Thomas – Aylmer – Eastern Elgin County; Rodney – Shedden – Western Elgin County; Woodstock – Tillsonburg – Oxford County; Brantford – County of Brant; City of Toronto; Uxbridge – Beaverton – Northern Durham Region; Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region; Pickering – Oshawa – Southern Durham Region; Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham; Belleville – Quinte West – Eastern Northumberland County; Cobourg – Colborne – Western Northumberland County; City of Hamilton; Bruce Peninsula – Sauble Beach – Tobermory; Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Grey County; Saugeen Shores – Kincardine – Southern Bruce County; Hanover – Dundalk – Southern Grey County; Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County; Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County; Goderich – Bluewater – Southern Huron County; Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County; Mount Forest – Arthur – Northern Wellington County; Guelph – Erin – Southern Wellington County; Kitchener – Cambridge – Region of Waterloo; Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus; Shelburne – Mansfield – Northern Dufferin County; Orangeville – Grand Valley – Southern Dufferin County; Caledon; Mississauga – Brampton; Halton Hills – Milton; Burlington – Oakville; St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region; Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region

Not much relief at night

Expect sleeping to be a little uncomfortable if your home does not have AC. Canada’s trusted weather source ssuggests that “there will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 20 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30.

Poor air quality thrown into the mix

Of course, as ECCC says, 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 Risks

ECCC warns that extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Effects/symptoms of heat illness

Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Heat Stroke is a medical emergency

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Don’t mess around, Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you or someone you are caring for has a high body temperature and are confused, has stopped sweating or becomes unconscious. While waiting for help, cool the person right away: move them to a cool place, apply cold water to large areas of the skin and fan the person as much as possible.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.

How to stay cool in Toronto during the heat wave

City of Toronto has kindly shared the following 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.  

Find Cool Spaces in Toronto – Heat relief strategy

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.  

Wading pools open in Toronto

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. 

by Terry Lankstead

SOURCE notes: Environment and Climate Change Canada and City ot Toronto

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