Heat Warning issued for Toronto ahead of sweltering long weekend

People read as they sunbathe on a warm summer day at Cherry Beach in Toronto on August 23, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michelle Siu

Text:

Joshua Freeman, CP24.com
Published Friday, September 4, 2015 2:33PM EDT
Last Updated Friday, September 4, 2015 5:35PM EDT

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the City of Toronto, cautioning that several days of 30 C temperatures are expected, starting Saturday and stretching over the Labour Day long weekend.

“There will be little relief at night with temperatures falling into the low twenties. This prolonged heat event may produce much discomfort for those who may not have access to a cool or air-conditioned place,” the weather agency said in its warning.

A heat warning has also been issued for a number of other areas in southern Ontario, including Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Burlington, Milton, Niagara and Oakville.

Highs in the low 30s are expected from Saturday through Thursday in Toronto, though there is a possibility of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm Saturday afternoon.

In its release, Environment Canada said that young children, older adults and other people with a range of conditions could be most affected by the high temperatures.

“While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses, people who work in the heat, people who exercise in the heat, people without access to air conditioning and homeless people,” Environment Canada said.

Temperatures are expected to taper off and return to seasonal Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the low 20s anticipated.

Those looking to cool off in the meantime can do so Saturday and Sunday at the city’s 57 outdoor pools and 104 wading pools. The outdoor swimming season ends Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. for most outdoor pools. However the city said Friday that it will extend the hours at 10 pools over the long weekend due to the expected high temperatures.

The following locations will be extended (Sunday and Monday only):