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Lightning strike reportedly leads to signal issues, cancellations on Lakeshore GO lines

A lightning strike appears be to blame for slowing down an already soggy commute for some GO Transit riders Monday evening.

GO Transit says early reports indicate that lightning led to signal problems on the Lakeshore East line, causing multiple cancellations and delays.

Things were worse on the Lakeshore West line where service was entirely suspended, with trains unable to run westbound from Union Station. Trains on that line have now begun running, but passengers should expect residual delays.

Anne Marie Aikins, spokesperson for the provincial transit agency Metrolinx, said in a tweet Monday that the delays are "cascading across multiple lines."

"If you can delay going home for a little, your trip might be smoother as we work hard to resolve these issues," she said.

Commuters were urged to check the service status on their routes here.

Meanwhile, Toronto's Pearson Airport warned that lightning may affect flight schedules. Travelers should check on their flight status before heading to the airport.

Cooler temperatures in sight

A severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the GTA just north of Toronto has ended, but the city remains under a heat warning.

High temperatures continued to bake Toronto Monday with highs in the low thirties, with a humidex in the high thirties, according to Environment Canada. Toronto had an especially warm weekend, with heat warnings issued Saturday and Sunday.

But cooler temperatures are in sight.

Environment Canada says a cold front will move through the city Monday night, breaking the heat and humidity for the remainder of the work week. Tuesday will see a high of 27 C in Toronto, though it will feel more like 30.

Environment Canada cautions people today to watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Drink lots of water, and check on older friends, family and neighbours, the federal weather agency says.

The agency reminds driver to never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.