Heat warning issued for Toronto, GTA as humidex values set to reach into the 40s

Toronto is under a heat warning for the next several days as temperatures and humidex values are expected to be among the highest this summer.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says temperatures over the next three to five days will be “atypical of early September.”

“We are expecting temperatures to hit near 30 or above [Sunday], Monday, Tuesday and even Wednesday …the temperatures really hot during the afternoon,” says CityNews 680 weather specialist Denise Andreacchi. “Humidex pushing 40 in some communities in southern Ontario and we also have very high UV index.”

In response, the City of Toronto has extended the hours at four of the city’s 10 outdoor pools. Alex Duff, McGregor Park, Monarch Park and Sunnyside/Gus Ryder pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. Sunday.

The heat warning also extends to Halton-Peel region including Burlington, Oakville, Caledon, Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga and Brampton as well as Hamilton. There are also widespread heat warnings across northern and central Ontario.

This will be one of the hottest stretches of weather we have had in the GTA in a while. There were no days in which the temperature reached more than 30 C in August, compared to five days of 30-plus temperatures in July.

Environment Canada adds the hot and humid weather could also bring a deterioration in the air quality with 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,” the national weather service said. “Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.”

The high temperatures and humidity are expected to ease on Wednesday with the passage of a cold front through the region.