Toronto and GTA under heat warning with scorching, muggy conditions on tap

A heat warning is in effect for Toronto, and much of southern Ontario as sticky air and scorching heat take over the region for a couple of days.

Environment Canada warns of high heat and humidity on Tuesday and Wednesday, with daytime highs reaching 31 C and humidex values getting into the forties.

“Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building,” reads the warning from Environment Canada. “Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”

The agency says to watch for the effects of heat illness, like swelling, cramps, fainting and heat exhaustion, as well as symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting and extreme thirst.

CityNews meteorologist Jill Taylor says there is a chance of thunderstorms in the late afternoon on Wednesday, with strong winds and hail possible if storms develop.

“At this point, there is a chance of storms today after about 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., but very hit and miss, so not all areas will be affected,” she says. “Could also get some brief, isolated passing showers today with this high heat and humidity.”

The storm risk will cease for the evening with an overnight low of 23 C, providing little relief from the heat.

The hot and sticky conditions will repeat on Wednesday, with the chance of severe storms in the evening.

Environment Canada has also issued special weather statements for some Ontario regions, including Waterloo, Windsor-Essex, Parry Sound-Muskoka and Barrie-Orillia-Midland, among others, warning of the potential of strong wind gusts and a tornado.

“Thunderstorms are expected to develop over eastern Michigan or Lake Huron Wednesday afternoon, then track eastward through the evening,” Canada’s weather agency says.

“Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat, though large hail and a few tornadoes are also possible. A significant tornado cannot be ruled out.”

Environment Canada says the threat of severe weather “should decrease as storms move east Wednesday evening.”

Lower temperatures are in store for Thursday and Friday as cooler air moves in, but humidex values in the mid-thirties are still expected. There is a slight chance of showers on both days.

Toronto extending hours at some city pools

Due to the high heat and humidity, the City of Toronto has decided to extend the hours at seven of the city’s outdoor pools on Tuesday.

The pools at Alex Duff, Giovanni Caboto, McGregor Park, Monarch Park, Parkway Forest, Smithfield Park, and Sunnyside/Gus Ryder will stay open until 11:45 p.m.

As a result of today’s heat warning, the following seven pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. today (July 19):
• Alex Duff
• Giovanni Caboto
• McGregor Park
• Monarch Park
• Parkway Forest
• Smithfield Park
• Sunnyside /Gus Ryder

Visit https://t.co/GsckMwNZRj. #SwimTO pic.twitter.com/H2Eeopjrox

— City of Toronto PFR (@TorontoPFR) July 19, 2022