Toronto under heat warning with mercury to hit low 30s Sunday, Monday
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Toronto that is in effect on Sunday and Monday, with temperatures expected to be in the low 30s on both days.
The extreme heat could persist into Tuesday, the federal weather agency said.
During the "heat event," the maximum temperatures on Sunday are forecast to be 30 to 32 C, with a humidex of 38 to 40, while the maximum temperatures on Monday are predicted to be 31 to 33 C, with a humidex of 39 to 41.
The minimum overnight temperatures for both Sunday and Monday nights, meanwhile, are forecast to be 20 to 23 C.
With such hot and humid air in store, the air quality could deteriorate and could prompt the air quality index to enter the high risk category, the weather agency said.
Environment Canada added that poor air affects everyone but the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.
Toronto residents are urged never to leave people or pets inside parked vehicles, especially during heat events. As well, outdoor workers are encouraged to take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
Modified Heat Relief Network in place
Meanwhile, the city says its modified Heat Relief Network is in place starting today for the heat warning.
It now features a wide array of cool spaces that are open during and beyond heat warnings and others open only during heat warnings, the city said in a news release.
"It includes pools, wading pools, splash pads, community centres and, during heat warnings, and four emergency cooling centres for the public."
The network now includes:
47 community centres and pools that have space, including lobby space and seating, for residents to use for indoor cooling.
More than 300 aquatic amenities including the City's 140 splash pads, 100 wading pools, 56 outdoor swimming pools and 29 indoor pools.
For the duration of the heat warning, the following three ECCs will available for those who do not have access to a cool space and cannot keep cool in their home or outdoors:
Metro Hall, 55 John St.
Malvern Recreation Centre, 30 Sewells Rd.
Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave.
