Toronto, GTA remain under heat warning on 2nd day of ‘heat event’

Toronto and the GTA remain under a heat warning ahead of what is expected to be a second straight day of scorching temperatures.

Environment Canada says the “two-day heat event” will continue through Wednesday after record-breaking temperatures on Tuesday.

“Minimum temperatures early (Wednesday) and tonight in the low twenties will provide little relief from the heat.,” the weather agency says.

On Wednesday, the city could see scattered thunderstorms with a 40 per cent chance of rain. Roughly 10 hours of sun are expected with temperatures reaching a high of 31 C, feeling more like 38 with the humidity.

Halton-Peel, York-Durham, Dufferin-Innisfil, Waterloo-Wellington and the City of Hamilton are among the regions under the same heat warning.

A heat warning was issued for parts of southern Ontario, including the City of Toronto, as daytime high temps climb into the low 30s and humidex low 40s starting on Tuesday. Photo: Natasha Ramsahai/CityNews.

“Heads up for showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2 p.m.,” says CityNews meteorologist Jill Taylor. “Not all areas will be affected though.”

Taylor says it will gradually become less humid by Wednesday evening as cooler air starts to arrive.

A special air quality statement that was issued on Tuesday has since been lifted but Environment Canada warns “hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.”

“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”

Tuesday marked the warmest June 21 in Toronto’s history. The temperature peaked at 35 C, breaking the record of 34.4 C set in 2012.

Cooler air and sunny skies are expected on Thursday, with a predicted high of 25 C. More sunshine is expected on Friday, with a predicted high of 29 C.