Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with humidex values expected to reach 40 in parts of the city.
On Wednesday, the weather agency said the city will experience a heat wave that is expected to last through Friday.
Wednesday’s high is set to hit 31 C but the humidex will make it feel more like 37. A mix of sun and cloud is expected today with a 30 per cent chance of showers this evening. There is a risk of thunderstorms this evening and the GTA is expected to receive 30 to 40 millimetres of rain.
Similar conditions are expected on Thursday with a high of 29 C, but it will feel more like 37 with humidity. A 30 per cent chance of showers is expected Thursday evening.
Then on Friday, the high is set to reach 33 C with a mix of sun and cloud and a 40 per cent chance of showers later on in the night.
Heading into the weekend, the high is 25 C with a 40 per cent chance of showers on Saturday. Finally on Sunday, no rain is expected with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 25 C.
“Minimum temperatures in the low twenties will provide little relief from the heat…Areas near the lakes can expect to remain cooler than areas inland,” the heat warning read.
Environment Canada said the hot and humid conditions could also bring deteriorating air quality and the city could reach the high risk category on the Air Quality Health Index.
As of Wednesday, Toronto is in the top ten when it comes to the worst air quality in the world, sitting at number eight at moderate risk according to the Air Quality Health Index.
During this heat wave, Environment Canada is urging the public to watch out for the effects of heat illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
The agency is also advising people to drink plenty of water, stay in a cool place, check on older family, friends, and neighbours, never leave people or pets inside a car and take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool area when working outdoors.
