Extreme Heat Wave Strikes Toronto, Prompting Health Alerts and Closures

Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated and cool as they endure unusually high heat.

Toronto is under an intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring to levels that have not been felt in nearly a decade. For the third consecutive day, residents of Canada’s largest city have sought refuge indoors as they navigate sweltering conditions, characterized by a combination of high temperatures and humidity, which has left many feeling uncomfortable.

The mercury reached 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, marking it as Toronto's warmest day since July 13, 2016, according to Environment Canada. The oppressive heat stuck around into Tuesday, offering little reprieve, as afternoon readings hovered near 36 degrees Celsius with humidity exacerbating the discomfort.

In response to the soaring temperatures, city officials have issued health warnings urging residents to remain in cool places, hydrate frequently, and be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms, such as nausea and profound tiredness. Local meteorologist Steven Flisfeder emphasizes how humidity complicates the body’s ability to regulate temperature under such extreme conditions.

The heat wave has resulted in the closure of several public schools, impacting students who have been advised by the Toronto District School Board to brace for “uncomfortable conditions.” Mayor Olivia Chow has expressed concern over the sporadic closing of public pools—the community’s go-to venue for cooling off—due to labor safety regulations that restrict lifeguard operations in excessive heat. The mayor has vowed to work on solutions to prevent future pool closures.

As the extreme temperatures persist, city officials hope to bolster the number of lifeguards and create shaded areas to ensure public facilities can stay open in the sweltering heat. Fortunately, projections indicate that temperatures may start to fall by Wednesday, returning to more seasonable late June levels.

The heat wave also extends across other regions of southern Ontario and Quebec, with cities like Ottawa and Montreal experiencing similar high temperatures and humidity. While two-thirds of Canadian homes are equipped with air conditioning, this pales in comparison to the United States, where 90 percent of homes boast climate control systems.

As Toronto residents brace for the conclusion of the heat wave, local authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide guidance to help keep individuals safe during this unusually intense weather event.