Environment Canada has issued yellow heat warnings for a large swath of southern Ontario, stretching from Windsor to Markham and from Niagara Falls to Barrie. The warnings begin on Victoria Day Monday and extend through Tuesday night.
Temperature Forecast
In Toronto, daytime highs are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius, with the humidex making it feel like 36 degrees Celsius. Temperatures are forecast to drop to a less-seasonable 16 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Typical temperatures for this time of year are a high of 19 degrees Celsius and a low of 10 degrees Celsius.
Showers are possible throughout the region on both Monday and Tuesday as a warm air mass moves north from the United States.
Health Precautions
Environment Canada warns that extreme heat can affect everyone's health. The agency advises people to determine if they or those around them are at greater risk of heat illness. It recommends checking on older adults, those living alone, and other at-risk individuals in person or by phone multiple times a day.
Early signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. People experiencing these symptoms should stop their activity and drink water.
Dramatic Temperature Jump
Much of Ontario already enjoyed summerlike heat on Sunday, with Windsor being the hottest place in Canada at 28.5 degrees Celsius. In contrast, Cape Stallworthy, Nunavut, recorded a high of minus 10.7 degrees Celsius on the same day.
Environment Canada meteorologist Kristina Kretchman told The Canadian Press that the jump from below-normal spring warmth to midsummer conditions may feel dramatic to some.
Tips to Beat the Heat
To stay cool, Environment Canada recommends drinking plenty of water, closing blinds or shades to block sunlight, using air conditioners or fans, and visiting cooling centres, community centres, libraries, or shaded parks. Outdoor activities should be planned during the coolest parts of the day, and people should limit direct sun exposure. Wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat is also advised.
