Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level heat warning for Toronto and its surrounding areas, starting Monday. The alert comes as temperatures are anticipated to soar between 30°C and 36°C, with humidex values expected to climb between 38°C and 45°C. This hot and humid weather is projected to persist until Wednesday or Thursday evening.
Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day, with maximum temperatures possibly reaching near 36 degrees Celsius in various locations. According to the notice from Environment Canada, the intense heat and humidity can lead to deteriorating air quality, causing the Air Quality Health Index to approach the high-risk category. Authorities urge residents to take precautions, emphasizing that extreme heat poses health risks to everyone.
The heat warning encompasses several regions, including Toronto, Pickering, Oshawa, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Peel, Halton, Hamilton, and Niagara. Officials have advised residents to be vigilant for early signs of heat exhaustion, which can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, increased thirst, dark urine, and severe fatigue. Residents are advised to cease physical activities and hydrate frequently.
How the City of Toronto is responding
In response to the heat warning, the City of Toronto has activated its Heat Relief Strategy. City officials are continuously monitoring conditions and coordinating public services to ensure community safety. Starting at noon on Monday, July 13, four mobile water trailers will be deployed across the city, providing water fountains and bottle filling stations at the following locations:
- Nathan Phillips Square
- Mel Lastman Square
- East York Civic Centre
- Barbara Hall Park
These mobile water stations will remain operational until the heat warning is lifted, except for the station at Nathan Phillips Square, which will continue to serve throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Additionally, designated cool spaces in Scarborough, Etobicoke, York, and East York Civic Centres will be available from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., alongside Metro Hall. The North York Civic Centre will offer services from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. A 24-hour Cool Space will also be available at 136 Spadina Rd., starting at noon on July 13 and remaining in place throughout the heat warning.
To help residents stay cool, more than 170 splash pads will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while 84 wading pools will be open with varied hours. In addition, 57 outdoor pools will be accessible from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with eight pools extending their hours until 11:45 p.m. during the heat warning. Some of the pools offering extended hours include:
- Sunnyside Gus Ryder Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd W.
- Alex Duff Pool, 779 Crawford St.
- Giovanni Caboto Pool, 1367 St. Clair Ave. W.
- Heron Park Pool, 292 Manse Rd.
- McGregor Park Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
- Monarch Park Pool, 115 Felstead Ave.
- North Toronto Memorial, 200 Eglinton Ave.
- Smithfield Park Pool, 175 Mount Olive Dr.
The combined efforts of mobile water stations, local cool spaces, and accessible recreational facilities highlight the city's proactive measures to ensure community members have the resources they need to combat the extreme heat conditions.
