‘Heat event,’ heavy rain expected in Toronto

A heat warning has been issued for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that will possibly continue into Tuesday, Environment Canada says.

Daytime highs are expected to reach 29 C with humidex values making it feel more like 40 due to a “humid air mass” that arrived in the region Sunday, the federal weather agency said on Sunday. 

Overnight temperatures won’t bring much relief with lows expected to be around 20 C. A “cooler air mass” is expected to arrive Tuesday, according to Environment Canada.

“Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category,” the agency said. 

Heavy rain is also expected at times, with a risk of a thunderstorm early Monday evening, Environment Canada said. The agency has forecast 10 to 15 millimetres of rain, with the rain expected to end by Monday night.

Showers are also forecast on Tuesday with a risk of a thunderstorm in the morning. Ten to 20 millimetres of rain are expected, the agency said. Wind gusts up to 40km/h are forecast for the morning and afternoon.

Environment Canada is advising people to take extra precautions for the heat event, especially those at greater risks of health concerns. That includes older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses and people with disabilities or mobility issues. 

Heat illness can be identified through swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of some health conditions.

“Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle,” it advises.

Environment Canada is also urging people to “drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.”

7 Toronto outdoor pools to stay open late

The City of Toronto will extend hours at seven outdoor pools on Monday to 11:45 p.m. to help people beat the heat. You can check the city’s website for more information.

The pools include:

  • Alex Duff Memorial Pool.
  • Giovanni Caboto Pool.
  • McGregor Park Community Centre.
  • Monarch Park.
  • North Toronto Memorial Community Centre.
  • Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool. 
  • Smithfield Park Outdoor Pool.

Source