GTA extreme heat could break more records this week

A heat warning remains in effect for Toronto and the GTA after a weekend of record-breaking temperatures in the region.

Environment Canada says temperatures would reach the low 30s on Monday and Tuesday, with humidex values approaching 40.

Such a warning is issued when “very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion,” the weather agency says.

Health risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work and exercise outdoors.

On Monday, the City of Toronto extended its heat warning, which was issued on Saturday. During the warning, the city opens its seven cooling centres.

Temperature records were broken across Ontario over the weekend, and that trend is expected to continue in the GTA this week.

The temperature reached a high of 31.3 C at Pearson International Airport, but felt closer to 40 with the humidity. The record of 33.8 C was set on this day back in 2007.

The heat continues on Tuesday with a high of 31 C and a humidex near 40. A record of 29.6 was set on that day in 1998.

A high of 29 C is expected on Wednesday, but that could also break another record – a temperature of 27.2 C was set on that day back in 1973.

“While it will be hot and humid [Monday] we’d have to surpass 33.8 C to break record for today. We are more likely to break records for Tuesday and Wednesday,” Taylor said.

Although it will still be hot on Wednesday, a cold front is expected to move through later in the day, bringing cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week.

Over the weekend, temperatures exceeded the 30 C mark in many areas, including the GTA. On Saturday, the temperature at Pearson hit 33.1 C, breaking the previous record of 30.6 set in 1959. On Sunday, the temperature was 33.6 C, which broke the record of 30.8 C set in 2010.

Meanwhile, the heat is also causing commuter headaches on GO Transit’s Lakeshore East line on Monday. Riders dealt with delays of up to 30 minutes because the extreme heat forced crews to do track work overnight near the Rouge Hill Station.

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