Smog Alert Lifted For Toronto, But Heat Keeps Things Sweaty
Posted August 17, 2009 7:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A smog advisory for the city of Toronto has been lifted by Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment.
Temperatures soared to 31.2 degrees on Monday, just short of the record 31.6 degrees, set back in ’98. With the Humidex, it felt more like 40. And with the intense heat, came the choking smog, prompting officials to issue both heat and smog alerts for much of Southern Ontario.
It’s expected to be hot again on Tuesday, with overnight rains ending late in the morning. We’ll see a mix of sun and cloud all day and the mercury will hit a high of 28. Toronto will also experience winds of up to 20 kilometres an hour and a chance of thunderstorm.
Wednesday, it’s sun, clouds and a high of 26.
By Thursday the rain this back, with showers in the forecast and a high of 25.
Friday, we’ll see cloudy skies and a 30 per cent chance of showers. The mercury will hit 22 degrees, a trend that will continue for the weekend.
Here are some tips to beat the heat courtesy of Toronto Public Health:
-Drink lots of water and natural fruit 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.
-Go to 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.
-Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
-Keep lights off or turned down low.
-Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
-Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
-Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
-Never leave a child in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
-Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.
-Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.
Check the Air Quality Index in your area.
