Heat Alert Declared For Toronto

It’s supposed to be a scorcher of a weekend in Toronto, with temperatures staying above 30 degrees Celsius, so it’s no surprise the city’s medical officer of health has issued a heat alert for Saturday.

Dr. David McKeown issued the alert, which means the public should take extra precautions if they’re planning on enjoying the sunny weather outside. With the humidity it could feel closer to 40 degrees.

It’s important on the especially hot days to drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun for prolonged periods, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

Children and the elderly are the most at risk for heat-related illnesses, and should never be left unattended in a car. The same goes for pets.

Saturday’s forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds with a 60 per cent chance of rain in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the northern portions of York Region, Durham Region and Peel. The Environment Canada advisory also included the Lake Simcoe area and parts of cottage country. The officials warned of the potential for large hail and strong winds.

Those in need of assistance during the Heat Alert can call the Red Cross Heat Information Line at 416-480-2615 between 9am and 9pm.

Here’s how the city of Toronto advises you keep your cool:

• 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.

For information on what beaches are safe for swimming, click here.

As a result of hot weather conditions, the following seven GTA pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. Saturday:

• Monarch Park – south of Danforth Avenue, west of Coxwell Avenue
• Regent Park – south of Gerrard Street, east of Sackville Street
• Alex Duff – Bloor Street West, west of Christie Street
• Alexandra Park – Bathurst Street at Dundas Street West
• Giovanni Caboto – 1369 St. Clair Avenue West
• Sunnyside Gus Ryder – Lake Shore Boulevard at Parkside Drive
• McGregor Pool – 2231 Lawrence Avenue East