Toronto is once again facing scorching conditions, with Environment Canada issuing its third heat warning in just a few weeks. A stifling air mass is hovering over the region, bringing relentless heat and humidity that could stretch into next Thursday.
City swelters under unrelenting summer heat
The federal weather agency says daytime highs will hover between 29 °C and 32 °C (84 °F to 90 °F) through the middle of next week, with humidex values expected to peak between 35 and 40. Friday marks what could be the hottest day in this stretch so far.
“A prolonged period of near heat warning levels continues,” Environment Canada said in its advisory. “Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health… take action to protect yourself and others.”
The agency is urging residents to stay hydrated and check in on neighbours, especially seniors and people with chronic health conditions. Heat-related symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, exhaustion, and confusion.
Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 32 °C with a humidex of 40, and there’s a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Sunday won’t bring much relief either, with a forecasted high of 30 °C and humidex values near 38, along with a 30 percent chance of rain.
Cooling stations and pool hours extended across Toronto
To help residents cope, the City of Toronto is keeping several outdoor pools open later than usual. Eight facilities, including Alex Duff, Monarch Park, McGregor Park, and Sunnyside–Gus Ryder, will stay open until 11:45 p.m. Friday. Halbert Park Pool will remain open until 9 p.m..
Starting tonight at 7 p.m., the Metro Hall lobby downtown will operate as a 24/7 cooling space, offering an air-conditioned refuge for anyone needing a break from the heat. The city has also extended hours at five civic centres, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York, and East York. These buildings will remain open to the public until 9:30 p.m. throughout the weekend.
Residents who don’t have access to air conditioning are encouraged to seek relief in public libraries, community centres, or shaded city parks. Many of these spaces are already seeing increased foot traffic as the heat wave persists into another weekend.
