Toronto is currently experiencing its hottest days in nearly a decade, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit), pushing locals indoors and prompting urgent health warnings.
Heat Wave Hits Toronto: City Faces a Record-Breaking Heat Crisis
Heat Wave Hits Toronto: City Faces a Record-Breaking Heat Crisis
Canada's largest city, Toronto, is grappling with extreme temperatures, leading to health alerts and school disruptions as residents seek refuge from the sweltering conditions.
As an intense heatwave blankets Toronto and the northeastern United States, the city has come to a standstill, with health officials advising residents to stay cool. The mercury soared to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, marking the hottest day since 2016, according to Environment Canada. The extreme conditions have led to the temporary closure of public schools, as lifeguard regulations prevent work in such high heat, much to the disappointment of parents and students alike.
Humidity has exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly hard for the body to maintain its temperature. Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder emphasizes the dangers of high humidity levels, warning of the potential for heat exhaustion and advising residents to stay hydrated and in cooler environments.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her dismay over the sporadic closures of public pools due to labor safety regulations, which she promises to address in the future. She underscored the community's desperate need for access to cooling areas, stating, “This cannot happen again.” Efforts are underway to increase the number of lifeguards and create shaded areas for them during future heatwaves.
As the school year draws to a close, the Toronto District School Board has informed parents to prepare children for uncomfortable conditions, particularly as only about 30 percent of its 579 schools are air-conditioned. In contrast, around two-thirds of Canadian homes feature air conditioning, significantly lower than the 90 percent in the United States.
Cities across southern Ontario and Quebec, including Ottawa and Montreal, are also feeling the brunt of this heatwave, which has prompted emergency measures and advice from health officials to ensure public safety. The temperature is expected to drop in the coming days, providing some relief for Toronto residents.
Humidity has exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly hard for the body to maintain its temperature. Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder emphasizes the dangers of high humidity levels, warning of the potential for heat exhaustion and advising residents to stay hydrated and in cooler environments.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her dismay over the sporadic closures of public pools due to labor safety regulations, which she promises to address in the future. She underscored the community's desperate need for access to cooling areas, stating, “This cannot happen again.” Efforts are underway to increase the number of lifeguards and create shaded areas for them during future heatwaves.
As the school year draws to a close, the Toronto District School Board has informed parents to prepare children for uncomfortable conditions, particularly as only about 30 percent of its 579 schools are air-conditioned. In contrast, around two-thirds of Canadian homes feature air conditioning, significantly lower than the 90 percent in the United States.
Cities across southern Ontario and Quebec, including Ottawa and Montreal, are also feeling the brunt of this heatwave, which has prompted emergency measures and advice from health officials to ensure public safety. The temperature is expected to drop in the coming days, providing some relief for Toronto residents.
