GTA bracing for record-breaking heat as kids head back to class

Most students in the GTA are heading back to the classroom on Tuesday on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year.

The sweltering temperatures could potentially break records as kids and teachers return to mostly unairconditioned schools amid a heat warning that remains in place for nearly all of Ontario.

“A hot and humid airmass is expected through Wednesday,” reads the warning from Environment Canada. “Humidex values and daytime highs will be very atypical of early September.”

Tuesday could be the hottest day of the year so far. Monday saw a high of 34 C, the CityNews guaranteed high for Tuesday is 35 C, feeling more like 43 with the humidity.

“It could be the hottest day of summer and we could potentially break a record for Sep. 5,” says CityNews meteorologist Jill Taylor. “The record for this date, 34.2 C set in 2018.”

Already feels like 30 as of 5:45am this Tuesday morning! It will feel close to 43 with the humidity this afternoon. More details https://t.co/qBZDj99yKh

— Jill Taylor (@JillTaylorCity) September 5, 2023

There won’t be much relief overnight with temperatures dropping to a low of 22 C. Wednesday will be hot again with a high near 32 C and humidex near 40.

Relief will come Thursday with an expected high of 26 C and some scattered showers and storms. Temperatures will continue to fall as more seasonal conditions return heading into the weekend.

It’s a change after a cooler-than-usual August. There were no days in which the temperature reached more than 30 C last month, compared to five days of 30-plus temperatures in July. The last time Toronto saw a 35 degree day was in June 2022.

Environment Canada advises residents to keep drinking water, avoid leaving pets or people in parked vehicles, and take regular breaks from any outdoor work.

The weather agency warns of deteriorating air quality and advised risks are highest for “young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.”

TDSB says plan in place to manage extreme heat

The Toronto District School Board has outlined actions schools can take to help manage the heat on the first day of school.

Schools could make the decision to move recess indoors and cancel any sports or outdoor activities.

“This decision is typically made at the school-level depending on local conditions which can vary widely across the city,” says the school board on their website.

Out of the 583 TDSB schools, 243 have cooling centres and 177 are “largely air-conditioned.”

The school board advises a number of actions students and staff can take to manage the heat.

• Using fans to provide air movement, where possible.
• Keeping lights and computers turned off, where possible.
• Keeping doors and windows open.
• Rotating staff and students into cooler/air conditioned areas within the school, where available.
• Encouraging students to drink water.
• Reducing strenuous activities, including gym and sports activities.