Environment Canada has issued an orange heat warning for Toronto and most of southern Ontario, effective Tuesday morning, as a prolonged heat event grips the region. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31-34°C, with some areas potentially hitting 37°C. The heat wave is forecast to last from Tuesday through Friday, possibly extending into the weekend, before breaking on Monday with a return to 25°C.
Hottest Days and Health Risks
The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday, with maximum temperatures of 34 to 37°C and minimum overnight temperatures of 21 to 25°C, offering little relief. Environment Canada warns that hot and humid air can deteriorate air quality, potentially pushing the Air Quality Health Index into the high-risk category. The agency advises checking on older adults, those living alone, and other at-risk individuals multiple times a day.
Early signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. If symptoms appear, stop activity and drink water. Heat stroke symptoms—red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and changes in consciousness—require immediate emergency attention; call 9-1-1 if observed. Environment Canada also recommends drinking water frequently, closing blinds or shades, opening windows if outdoors is cooler, and using air conditioning or fans. If your home is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library, or shaded park. Never leave people, especially children, or pets in a parked vehicle.
City Response: Cooling Spaces and Extended Pool Hours
In response to the heat warning, the City of Toronto has activated over 500 cooling spaces across the city, including a 24-hour cooling centre at 136 Spadina Road, open from noon on Tuesday. Mobile water trailers are available at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, East York Civic Centre, and Barbara Hall Park during the heat warning. Additional game-day trailers are stationed at 34 Hanna Ave., Fort York Blvd., Bathurst St., and Toronto Inukshuk Park.
The city reports that 247 park washrooms and over 700 water fountains are operational for the heat season. Streets to Homes teams and Park Ambassadors are distributing water as part of enhanced outreach. Civic centres in Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, York, and Metro Hall will operate extended hours from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the heat warning, while North York Civic Centre will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. All civic centres are open on Canada Day, but community centres are closed except for John Innes Community Centre and Matty Eckler Community Centre, which will provide cooling access on Canada Day.
Eight designated outdoor pools will remain open past their scheduled closure during the heat wave: Alex Duff Memorial Pool at Christie Pits Park, Giovanni Caboto Outdoor Pool at Earlscourt Park, Heron Park Community Recreation Centre, McGregor Park Community Centre, Monarch Park, North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, Smithfield Park, and Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool.
