Sizzling Temperatures Expected To Continue Through The Weekend

But while some were complaining about the heat, others were basking in it as the conditions were perfect for the kick off of celebrations for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, at Nathan Phillips Square Friday afternoon.

The highlight of the celebrations – the parade – takes over Lake Shore on August 5th.

Festival organizer Stephen Weir said if the conditions on parade day are anything like they are Friday, the massive party will surely be a success.

“A day like today we’ll get more than a million for the parade. If it rains, a little less. It doesn’t cost anything. If you want some seating you can buy tickets,” he said. “If you just want to go on the Lake Shore, absolutely zip. Nothing.”

For more information on the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, click here.

While revelers were heating things up outside City Hall the suits on Bay Street were wishing they could pull off their ties to stay cool.

Sales executive Eric Bill said he was feeling a little jealous of his female co-workers who can wear cooler work attire.

“It is not fair. If I could wear a skirt, it would be great,” he said.

And if you’re hoping to stay cool this weekend by taking a dip at the beach, you may be out of luck.

Only Woodbine Beach and Hanlan’s Point Beach have been deemed safe for swimmers as other swimming spots across the city are experiencing high e.coli levels.

For a look at the conditions at the city’s beaches, click here.

Friday’s sizzling conditions – it felt close to 40 C with the humidity – are expected to last throughout the weekend, but the city isn’t expected to issue an extreme heat alert Friday or Saturday.

“When we call a heat alert it’s based on an oppressive air mass where there is a likelyhood of premature death exceeding 65 percent,” Marco Vittiglio of Toronto Public Health explained. “That’s not today.”

For a look at the weekend forcast, click here.

If you love the sun and want to get out of the house to enjoy weekend events there’s lots to do.

Power Boat Racing at Ontario Place
July 14 – 16
Click here for more information

Toronto Street Circus Festival
Distillery District
July 14 – 16
Click here for more info

For a list of City of Toronto pools and splash pads, click here.

Edgefest
Molson Amphitheatre
July 16
Click here for more info

How can you keep your cool when all about you are losing theirs to the intense pre-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.