Toronto is bracing for the start of a multi-day “heat event” that is set to bring scorching weather to most of Ontario this week. The federal weather agency is also warning that the weather conditions could lead to a deterioration of air quality across the city. Here’s what we know so far about how long the extreme heat is expected to last. Toronto heat warningEnvironment Canada issued a heat warning for Toronto on Monday, predicting maximum temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s. The weather agency said it could feel like the high 30s to low 40s due to humidity. The hot weather will push Toronto’s air quality health index to moderate risk levels. It comes on the heels of worsening wildfire smoke that saw Toronto take one of the top spots on a list of the world’s worst air quality. Environment Canada said people should reduce their outdoor activities if they experience air pollution symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing. Some experts warn that even brief exposure to smoke or air pollution could have harmful effects on the brain and body. The weather agency warned people to be on the lookout for the effects of heat illness. Symptoms include swelling, rash, cramps and heat stroke. The risk of developing heat exhaustion is greater among children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors, Environment Canada said. How to cope with extreme heat in TorontoExperts warn that extreme heat can have serious effects on the body and even our mental health. The body needs to maintain a stable core temperature of about 37 C in order to function. Hot outside temperatures can make it difficult for the body to release heat by sweating. Older adults face greater risk during hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate internal temperatures. Extreme heat can cause death. Recent heat wave tragedies in Canada include the death of more than 500 people in B.C. in 2021 as the result of a record-breaking heat dome. Health Canada says the best way to beat the heat is to keep cool and stay hydrated, and to plan ahead for extreme heat events when possible. Toronto’s heat relief strategy is in effect from May 15 to September 30, including a network of 500-plus “cool spaces” across the city. The city operates a map that lists places people and pets can go to for heat relief, including community centres, pools and libraries.Toronto weekly weather forecastTuesday will see a high of 30 C during the day with a humidex of 38 C. Wednesday is a mix of sun and cloud with high of 31 C and a humidex of 36 C.Temperatures will start to cool off Thursday as the heat warning is expected to end, bringing a daytime high of 26 C. Friday through Sunday will see temperatures in the high 20s. Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie
Toronto is bracing for the start of a multi-day “heat event” that is set to bring scorching weather to most of Ontario this week.
The federal weather agency is also warning that the weather conditions could lead to a deterioration of air quality across the city.
Here’s what we know so far about how long the extreme heat is expected to last.
Toronto heat warning
Environment Canada issued a heat warning for Toronto on Monday, predicting maximum temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s.
The weather agency said it could feel like the high 30s to low 40s due to humidity.
The hot weather will push Toronto’s air quality health index to moderate risk levels. It comes on the heels of worsening wildfire smoke that saw Toronto take one of the top spots on a list of the world’s worst air quality.
Environment Canada said people should reduce their outdoor activities if they experience air pollution symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing.
Some experts warn that even brief exposure to smoke or air pollution could have harmful effects on the brain and body.
The weather agency warned people to be on the lookout for the effects of heat illness.
Symptoms include swelling, rash, cramps and heat stroke.
The risk of developing heat exhaustion is greater among children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors, Environment Canada said.
How to cope with extreme heat in Toronto
Experts warn that extreme heat can have serious effects on the body and even our mental health.
The body needs to maintain a stable core temperature of about 37 C in order to function.
Hot outside temperatures can make it difficult for the body to release heat by sweating.
Older adults face greater risk during hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate internal temperatures.
Extreme heat can cause death. Recent heat wave tragedies in Canada include the death of more than 500 people in B.C. in 2021 as the result of a record-breaking heat dome.
Health Canada says the best way to beat the heat is to keep cool and stay hydrated, and to plan ahead for extreme heat events when possible.
Toronto’s heat relief strategy is in effect from May 15 to September 30, including a network of 500-plus “cool spaces” across the city.
The city operates a map that lists places people and pets can go to for heat relief, including community centres, pools and libraries.
Toronto weekly weather forecast
Tuesday will see a high of 30 C during the day with a humidex of 38 C.
Wednesday is a mix of sun and cloud with high of 31 C and a humidex of 36 C.
Temperatures will start to cool off Thursday as the heat warning is expected to end, bringing a daytime high of 26 C.
Friday through Sunday will see temperatures in the high 20s.
Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie
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