A multi-day heat warning continues in Toronto with humidex values possibly reaching up to 42 this week.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning Saturday morning amid a festival-packed weekend in Toronto, with JerkFest, Taco Fest, Mimosa Fest and other events taking over the city.
The national weather agency says the heat warning is expected to continue through Tuesday or possibly Wednesday for some areas across southern Ontario, with humidex values of 37 to 42.
Environment Canada issues a heat warning when the forecast has at least two consecutive days with a high of 31 and an overnight low of 20, or a humidex of at least 40.
A cooler air mass is expected to arrive Tuesday night, bringing an expected end to this heat event.
“Wednesday, it’s looking like the humidity should break at least a little bit, but you can still expect humidex of at least the mid to high 30s, so not too much relief for Wednesday,” Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said to Now Toronto.
Flisfeder says the hot temperatures are being caused by a high pressure system from the northeast U.S., which is encroaching into southern Ontario and southern Quebec.
“…it has been helping drive warm air from the U.S., warm and moist air from the U.S. south towards southern Ontario, giving us this prolonged period of high temperatures, high humidity,” he said.
Today is set to be sunny with a high of 33 C, feeling like 40 with the humidity, and a low of 22.
A mix of sun and cloud is expected tomorrow with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, with a high of 33, feeling like 40 with the humidity, and a low of 22.
On Wednesday, a mix of sun and cloud and a chance of showers are expected with a high of 30 and a low of 19, while Thursday is set to be sunny with a high of 28 and a low of 19. Friday is also expected to be sunny with a high of 29, and both Saturday and Sunday are set to have highs of 32.
WHY HAVE THERE BEEN SEVERAL HEAT WARNINGS THIS SUMMER?
This current heat warning comes after several others were issued in southern Ontario since earlier this summer. Flisfeder says this year has been particularly warm relative to normal temperatures expected at this time of year.
“Pretty much since July, it’s been a fairly consistent story of hot temperatures, lots of humidity across southern Ontario. So, that same high pressure we’ve been seeing recurring over and over so far this summer has been responsible in large part to us having these conditions many times throughout the summer,” he said.
He adds that the rest of August and into September is set to bring above seasonal temperatures.
“…that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ll continue to have these heat events throughout the rest of August or September, but you can expect temperatures to be on the warm side relative to normal.”
ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS
Environment Canada issues heat warnings to warn residents about health risks associated with extreme heat. The agency also warns that hot and humid air could bring deteriorating air quality.
Flisfeder said dehydration is a big concern when there is extreme heat, among other risks like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
“It’s important to drink lots of water, especially before you start to feel thirsty. Check in on loved ones, especially those who you know have pre-existing conditions, and limit your outdoor activities, particularly strenuous activities as much as possible.” Flisfeder said.
The agency also advises to turn on air conditioning, use a fan or move to a cooler area or community cooling centre during heat events.
