Extreme heat alert issued as temperature soars

Toronto public health officials have upgraded the city's heat alert to an extreme heat alert as Torontonians prepare for what could be one of the hottest days ever in the city.

With the temperature soaring into near-record territory, the city is urging people to limit their time outdoors and to take precautions to avoid any heat-related problems.

In addition to the city's extreme heat alert, Environment Canada's humidex advisory remains in effect because humidex values are expected to soar into the mid-40s on Thursday.

Weather records are in danger of falling Thursday on what may be one of the hottest days on record in Toronto. Environment Canada is forecasting a daytime high of 37 C, a shade lower than the all-time record for July 21.

At 35.6 C, Toronto's record high for July 21 was set in 1955.

If the temperature breaks the 37 C mark, it will be one of the warmest temperatures ever felt in Toronto since record-keeping began.

In anticipation of the high temperatures, the Blue Jays announced that Thursday's afternoon game will be played with the Rogers Centre roof closed. Twenty thousand bottles of water will also be supplied to fans compliments of Loblaws.

GO Transit also issued a statement saying that the extreme heat may cause short delays in commute times beginning Thursday, as trains are forced to slow travel speeds to accommodate track expansion due to the high temperatures.

All eyes are on Thursday's forecast, but Wednesday's weather was stifling. The temperature peaked at 35.8 C in the late afternoon at an Environment Canada weather station at Pearson International Airport, tying the record high for July 20th set back in 1978.

Don't expect a significant break from the heat for at least a few days.

According to Environment Canada's long-term forecast, the daytime temperature will hover between 29 C and 31 C through Tuesday with a chance of rain Sunday and Monday.

Normal temperatures for this time of year are highs of 27 C and lows of 17 C.

The heat wave has blanketed several Canadian provinces and U.S. states because of a hot, hazy and humid tropical air mass.

Extended pool hours

Because of the heat alert, the following public pools are open until 11:45 p.m.:

• Alex Duff Outdoor Pool, 779 Crawford St.
• Alexandra Park, 275 Bathurst St.
• Giovanni Caboto, 1369 St. Clair Ave.
• McGregor Park, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
• Monarch Park, 115 Felstead Ave.
• Regent Park Outdoor Pool, 620 Dundas St. E.
• Smithfield Outdoor Pool, 175 Mount Olive Dr.
• Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd.
• Cummer Park Indoor Pool, 6000 Leslie St.

People can also seek refuge from the heat at the following cooling centres:

• Metro Hall, 55 John St. (24 hours)
• East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Driftwood Community Centre, 4401 Jane St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Etobicoke Olympium, 590 Rathburn Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• McGregor Community Centre, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Centennial Park Community Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Stay safe

In hot, humid conditions, there is a risk of heat stroke and sun stroke.

Here are some tips to keep in mind in times of high heat and humidity:

• Check on family members, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults, seniors and people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses.
• Drink lots of water or natural fruit juices – do not wait to feel thirsty.
• Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls, a library or community centre.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabrics.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Reduce strenuous physical outdoor activity, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen if you venture outdoors.
• Landlords of buildings without air conditioning should provide a dedicated cooling room for residents.

People with heart or lung conditions, seniors and children should pay attention to the air quality health index level.

People who need assistance or have heat-related questions are asked to call the Canadian Red Cross' heat information line at 416-480-2615.

Click here for a map of public cooling centres and public places that have air conditioning.

Pet safety

This type of heat can be dangerous for pets, too.

People shouldn't expose their cats or dogs to the heat for extended periods because they could be at risk of heat stroke, according to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Dogs should only be left outdoors for short periods, should have plenty of water and a cool, sheltered place to rest that is out of direct sunlight, the OSPCA said.

Walks should take place in the early morning or evening when it's cooler outside.