Extreme Heat Alert Extended

Four city cooling centres will remain open for those who need some relief from the heat and city officials are encouraging you to check in on your elderly friends and neighbours to ensure they’re managing in the hot weather.

During last year’s 18 extreme heat alerts, some 12,000 people visited the cooling centres.

To ensure everyone can be comfortable and remain healthy in the sticky conditions, the city has set up a program encouraging landlords and property managers without air conditioning to provide a cool room for vulnerable tenants during heat alerts.

The elderly, infants and people with chronic health problems are at the greatest risk when the temperatures soar and the mercury is expected to reach the 31C mark Monday afternoon.

And the heat isn’t the only reason you’ll have to be cautious outside – the UV index is 8, or high.

Health officials are advising you to keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fruit juices.

But there may be relief on the way as rain is in the forecast for Monday night.

Here are the cooling centre locations:

  • Metro Hall, 55 John Street (John and King)
  • East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue (Coxwell and Mortimer)
  • Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall (Burnhamthorpe and Hwy 427)
  • North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street (Yonge and Sheppard)

Metro Hall will remain open 24 hours while the three civic centres will operate between 11am and 7pm.


How can you keep your cool when all about you are losing theirs to the intense summer sun?

Here’s what the city of Toronto advises.

  • Drink lots of water and natural juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
  • Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler and smog levels may not be as high as in the afternoon.
  • Wear a hat.
  • Take advantage of air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
  • If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
  • Keep electric lights off or turned down low.
  • Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
  • Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
  • Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
  • Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
  • Never leave a child or a pet in a parked car or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.
  • Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding side effects of your medications.

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