Heat warning issued in Toronto as wildfire smoke dissipates
Toronto, Ontario - A heat event is expected to hit Toronto this weekend, with temperatures soaring to highs of 30 to 33 C during the day, and the humidity making it feel as hot as 35 to 40 C. The nights will offer little respite, with lows of 19 to 22 C.
Sunday is forecasted to be sunny with a high of 33 C and a UV index of 8. To stay safe during this heat event, it's crucial to follow the recommended precautions and safety measures.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing: This will help you stay cool and protect from overheating.
- Apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide-brimmed hat if outdoors to protect from UV rays; the UV index can be very high during heat events.
- Limit strenuous outdoor physical activity, especially during peak heat hours to reduce heat stress risk.
- Seek out air-conditioned or shaded environments for relief since nighttime temperatures can remain high, offering little natural cooling.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles, even for a short time, due to the rapid temperature increase inside vehicles.
- Monitor for signs of heat-related illness, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, intense fatigue, dizziness, or fainting and take immediate action if symptoms appear.
- Check on vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to ensure their safety and hydration.
The heat event is expected to last into early next week, with temperatures remaining high and nights offering little respite. It's important to take these precautions seriously to reduce the elevated risk of heat illnesses during this extended heat event.
In other news, Toronto's air quality health index is forecasted to hover around a moderate-risk of 5 on Saturday. Some outdoor pools in Toronto are extending their hours amid Saturday's heat and are open until 11:45 p.m. The general population can engage in usual outdoor activities on Saturday, but those experiencing symptoms like coughing or throat irritation should consider reducing or rescheduling activities.
Wildfire smoke that had been blanketing Toronto is blowing away, and Environment Canada has lifted the special air quality statement for Toronto. Those at an increased risk should still consider reducing or rescheduling activities, even if the air quality health index is moderate.
For those looking to cool down, an interactive map of public spaces is available, and Metro Hall in Toronto is open 24/7 during the heat warning.
Remember, if you or someone else shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 and help move the person to a cool place, putting ice packs or cold water around their body.
Stay safe and beat the heat, Toronto!
References:
- City of Toronto
- Government of Canada
- Toronto Public Health
- Health Canada
- The Government of Canada has issued a heat warning for Toronto, urging residents to stay hydrated, protect themselves from the sun, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Toronto's air quality index is expected to be moderate on Saturday, but those with health issues should still consider reducing or rescheduling activities.
- The community can find a map of public spaces on the City of Toronto website, while Metro Hall remains open 24/7 during the heat warning.
- With the heat event expected to last into next week, it's crucial for the community to closely monitor weather updates and health advice from government and health organizations like Health Canada and Toronto Public Health.
- In response to the heat event, the media is encouraged to disseminate accurate and timely information to help inform the public about heat-related precautions and safety measures.
- Art facilities and museums in Toronto can offer cool and shaded environments, serving as additional options for the community to beat the heat wave.
