An intense heatwave has gripped Toronto, forcing closures and health warnings amidst soaring temperatures.
Toronto Hits Record Highs as Heatwave Sweeps Through Canada
Toronto Hits Record Highs as Heatwave Sweeps Through Canada
Severe temperatures prompt health alerts and disruptions in public services across the city.
As parts of the Northeast United States face sweltering conditions, Toronto, Canada, is undoubtedly feeling the heat as well, entering its third consecutive day of extreme temperatures. With highs reaching 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, the heat has not been seen in Toronto since July 13, 2016, according to Environment Canada’s meteorological assessments.
Over the past few days, locals have sought refuge in air-conditioned spaces as humidity exacerbates the discomfort. On Tuesday, the temperature barely dipped, lingering around 36 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit), but the muggy conditions made outdoor activities challenging. Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder from Environment Canada noted, “The ability for the body to regulate its temperature is far more difficult when we have those high humidity, muggy days.”
In light of the unusual weather, health officials in Toronto issued warnings, advising citizens to remain in cooler environments, stay hydrated, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion, which includes symptoms like nausea and severe fatigue. Fortunately, relief is anticipated on Wednesday, as forecasts predict a return to more typical late-June temperatures.
The staggering heat has also resulted in the temporary closure of some public schools, as local guidelines state that lifeguards cannot work in extreme weather, leading to frustration among parents hoping to access community swimming pools. City Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her apologies regarding the pool shutdowns caused by labor safety regulations and pledged to explore solutions to prevent future occurrences.
"Residents need to be able to get to the pools and cool down during such hot spells," Mayor Chow emphasized, as the city considers ways to bolster the lifeguard workforce and provide shaded areas for them.
Additionally, the Toronto District School Board has alerted parents to prepare for “uncomfortable conditions” as students approach the end of the school year on Friday. With only about 30 percent of the board's 579 schools equipped with air conditioning, many families may struggle to combat the heat at school.
Across southern regions of Ontario and Quebec, cities such as Ottawa and Montreal are experiencing similar sweltering temperatures, raising concerns about overall public health amid the heatwave's grasp.
Vjosa Isai is a reporter and researcher for The Times, primarily covering key news across Canada.
Over the past few days, locals have sought refuge in air-conditioned spaces as humidity exacerbates the discomfort. On Tuesday, the temperature barely dipped, lingering around 36 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit), but the muggy conditions made outdoor activities challenging. Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder from Environment Canada noted, “The ability for the body to regulate its temperature is far more difficult when we have those high humidity, muggy days.”
In light of the unusual weather, health officials in Toronto issued warnings, advising citizens to remain in cooler environments, stay hydrated, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion, which includes symptoms like nausea and severe fatigue. Fortunately, relief is anticipated on Wednesday, as forecasts predict a return to more typical late-June temperatures.
The staggering heat has also resulted in the temporary closure of some public schools, as local guidelines state that lifeguards cannot work in extreme weather, leading to frustration among parents hoping to access community swimming pools. City Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her apologies regarding the pool shutdowns caused by labor safety regulations and pledged to explore solutions to prevent future occurrences.
"Residents need to be able to get to the pools and cool down during such hot spells," Mayor Chow emphasized, as the city considers ways to bolster the lifeguard workforce and provide shaded areas for them.
Additionally, the Toronto District School Board has alerted parents to prepare for “uncomfortable conditions” as students approach the end of the school year on Friday. With only about 30 percent of the board's 579 schools equipped with air conditioning, many families may struggle to combat the heat at school.
Across southern regions of Ontario and Quebec, cities such as Ottawa and Montreal are experiencing similar sweltering temperatures, raising concerns about overall public health amid the heatwave's grasp.
Vjosa Isai is a reporter and researcher for The Times, primarily covering key news across Canada.
