Toronto under 5th heat warning this year, surpassing last year's total: meteorologist

Toronto is under its fifth heat warning this year, outpacing the number of heat events that happened last year, according to a meteorologist with Environment Canada. 

The heat warning is in effect for the following areas: Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Durham Region, Newmarket, Georgina, Halton Hills, Milton and Oshawa. 

There were only four heat events in Toronto in 2024, said meteorologist Weiqing Zhang. This includes three that were "marginal heat events," meaning they were not very hot or humid, she said.

"Certainly it's hotter than last year," Zhang said. 

The city has been under a heat warning for 16 days this year, including Tuesday, she said. 

The current heat warning, issued Monday morning and covering much of the Greater Toronto Area, is expected to end Tuesday night, according to Environment Canada. 

The federal weather agency first issued a heat warning on Sunday, but said the hottest conditions were expected on Monday and Tuesday. 

The region was expected to see daytime high temperatures between 30 to 33 C on Monday, Environment Canada said. With humidity, temperatures could feel like between 38 to 43 C. 

Nighttime lows are expected between 19 to 21 C, which Environment Canada said will provide little relief from the heat. 

Watch for signs of heat illness, says weather agency

People are advised to drink water often, watch for signs of heat exhaustion and to check on those at-risk for heat illnesses, said the weather agency. 

It also suggests wearing light-coloured clothing and limiting exposure to the heat.

Signs of heat stroke can include red and hot skin, dizziness and nausea. 

More than 500 spaces across Toronto are available for residents looking for relief during a heat warning, including the following air-conditioned facilities: 

• North York Civic Centre
• Scarborough Civic Centre
• Etobicoke Civic Centre 
• York Civic Centre
• East York Community Centre
• Metro Hall lobby

The buildings will be open until 9:30 p.m. every day that a warning is in effect, with the exception of the Metro Hall lobby which is open 24 hours a day.

'Be smart about it'

For Jim Earl and his partner, it's the season for running and playing tennis — as long as you wake up early.

"We're doing our last bit of exercise for the day, doing some shopping, and then that's it, we're in," he said later in the morning at Toronto's man-made Sugar Beach, adding that he plans to stay inside the rest of the day.

Raphael Calungsod, who was visiting Toronto from New York City said the heat reminds him of the sort of weather conditions he experienced as a young child in the Philippines, where he was born.

"It feels like home to me, but not home to most people living on the east coast," Calungsod said. "It should not be this
hot. I miss the snow."

Earl's sentiment toward the snow is different. He spent most of last winter in Muskoka, with plentiful snow and temperatures hovering around -25 C.

"We all remember what it was like in the winter," he said. "I'd rather have this, so don't complain and just be smart about it."

Wren Mercado, who was also visiting Toronto from New York City, said the heat felt similar to the weather back home, though being a tourist during the heat wave was far more tiring than expected.

"I'm definitely getting tired more often, wanting to sit down, get some water, maybe a sweet, iced treat," said Mercado, adding that humidity was making conditions especially bad.

Kim Worobec found some relief in the shade near Sugar Beach on Monday during her afternoon bike ride. She says she definitely needs to drink more water in these temperatures.

"I find riding my bike is great because I get a nice breeze as I ride," said Worobec. She added that she likes to enjoy the summer weather while it's here, though she noticed temperatures are hotter now than they used to be.

"We need to be vigilant with our climate change protocols," she said.