City of Toronto Issues Heat Warning and Shares Safety Tips for Residents
TORONTO – With Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issuing a Heat Warning for Toronto starting Monday, June 17, the city is gearing up for dangerously hot and humid conditions expected to persist throughout most of the week.
The ECCC has forecasted daytime high temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, with humidex values peaking between 40 and 45. Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain high as well, hovering between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius, with humidex values of 26 to 30.
Extreme heat poses significant health risks including heat stress, heat stroke, and even death, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, seniors, those with certain health conditions, and outdoor workers.
Safety Tips for Coping with the Heat: To help residents stay safe during this heat event, the City of Toronto recommends the following measures:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: Schedule outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Seek Shade: Use an umbrella or find shaded areas to avoid direct sun exposure.
- Circulate Cool Air Indoors: Use a fan when the indoor temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius.
- Block Out Sunlight: Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to reduce indoor heat.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors.
- Cool Down: Take cool showers or use cool, wet towels to lower your body temperature.
- Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
For more tips on preventing heat-related illnesses, residents can visit the City’s Keep Cool webpage at toronto.ca/KeepCool.
Cool Spaces Available Across Toronto: As part of its Heat Relief Strategy, which runs from May 15 to September 30, the City of Toronto has activated a network of Cool Spaces. These locations include libraries, community centres, and pools where residents can find relief from the heat.
In response to the upcoming heat wave, the City has opened 10 wading pools and 10 outdoor pools ahead of schedule. For detailed information on pool hours and locations, visit the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage at toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/swimming.
An interactive map of all Cool Spaces is available on the City’s website at toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/hot-weather/cool-spaces-near-you.
Understanding Heat Warnings: ECCC issues Heat Warnings under the following conditions:
- When two or more consecutive days are forecasted with daytime maximum temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius or higher, combined with minimum nighttime temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, or
- When two or more consecutive days are forecasted with humidex values of 40 or higher.
Given the impact of climate change, Toronto is expected to face higher summer temperatures, more unpredictable weather, and an increase in extremely hot days.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about heat warnings by visiting the ECCC website at weather.gc.ca.
For continuous updates and more information on how to stay safe during this heat event, keep an eye on GTA Today. Stay cool, Toronto!