Residents are urged to stay hydrated as extreme heat grips Toronto for the third consecutive day.
Toronto Sizzles: Intense Heat Wave Sparks Alerts and Pool Closures
Toronto Sizzles: Intense Heat Wave Sparks Alerts and Pool Closures
Canada's largest city struggles with oppressive temperatures leading to safety warnings and school disruptions.
Toronto is facing an unrelenting heat wave that has brought record-breaking temperatures and health alerts to the city and its surroundings. The ongoing heat, which has wrapped its heavy embrace around eastern Canada for three days, has forced many residents indoors in search of air-conditioned comfort.
On Monday, the mercury soared to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), marking Toronto's hottest day since July 13, 2016, as reported by Environment Canada. The stifling conditions persisted into Tuesday, with afternoon readings hovering around 36 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit) coupled with high humidity, creating a challenging environment for residents. Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder explained the difficulties posed by high humidity on the body’s temperature regulation.
In response to the relentless heat, officials in Toronto issued health warnings, encouraging residents to find cool environments, stay hydrated, and be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. Some public schools were temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions for lifeguards, leading to frustration among parents and children eager for a refreshing swim.
The city is currently working on solutions to prevent future pool closures during heat waves. Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the situation, stating, “This cannot happen again,” and outlined plans to enhance lifeguard staffing and provide shaded areas for their comfort.
In a notice to parents from the Toronto District School Board, families were advised to prepare for “uncomfortable conditions” as the school year wraps up this week. Out of the city’s 579 public schools, only 177—around 30 percent—are equipped with air conditioning. For context, about two-thirds of Canadian households have air conditioning, significantly less than in the United States, where approximately 90 percent of homes enjoy this comfort.
Similar heat and humidity levels are affecting other cities across southern Ontario and Quebec, including Ottawa and Montreal, creating a regional challenge as summer approaches.
On Monday, the mercury soared to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), marking Toronto's hottest day since July 13, 2016, as reported by Environment Canada. The stifling conditions persisted into Tuesday, with afternoon readings hovering around 36 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit) coupled with high humidity, creating a challenging environment for residents. Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder explained the difficulties posed by high humidity on the body’s temperature regulation.
In response to the relentless heat, officials in Toronto issued health warnings, encouraging residents to find cool environments, stay hydrated, and be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. Some public schools were temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions for lifeguards, leading to frustration among parents and children eager for a refreshing swim.
The city is currently working on solutions to prevent future pool closures during heat waves. Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the situation, stating, “This cannot happen again,” and outlined plans to enhance lifeguard staffing and provide shaded areas for their comfort.
In a notice to parents from the Toronto District School Board, families were advised to prepare for “uncomfortable conditions” as the school year wraps up this week. Out of the city’s 579 public schools, only 177—around 30 percent—are equipped with air conditioning. For context, about two-thirds of Canadian households have air conditioning, significantly less than in the United States, where approximately 90 percent of homes enjoy this comfort.
Similar heat and humidity levels are affecting other cities across southern Ontario and Quebec, including Ottawa and Montreal, creating a regional challenge as summer approaches.
