The city’s medical officer of health has issued a heat alert in advance of soaring temperatures expected to settle in for the weekend.
A high of 31 C is expected in Toronto Saturday and it could feel even hotter with the humidity.
During a heat alert, the city advises the public to check on friends and family who may be vulnerable to the hot weather, such as the elderly or those with respiratory issues.
“Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, individuals with limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and those who are homeless,” the city said in a news release.
The heat alert will be in place until further notice, the city said.
Parts of the GTA, including Toronto, also remain under a heat warning issued by Environment Canada yesterday.
According to the weather agency, sweltering temperatures in the 30s are expected to persist through the long weekend.
In its alert Saturday, the city also recommended a number of measures people can take to cool off:
- Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty
- Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls or local libraries or community centres
- Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down
- Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and, when outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day
- Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car
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