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TORONTO: Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded a high of 34 degrees Celsius on Sunday as a severe heat wave is sweeping the GTA.
After a record temeperature of 31 degrees Celsius ever recorded on June 5 in Toronto’s history, the city and other GTA cities experienced a searing Sunday.
Environment Canada has warned about the deteriorating air quality and the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) approaching the high risk category.
The warning says, “Hot and sunny conditions are resulting in increased ground-level ozone concentrations in the area. Moderate risk AQHI values are expected to continue into the evening with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values.
“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
“People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
“If you are experiencing symptoms, such as coughing or throat irritation, consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities until the special air quality statement is lifted. Exposure to air pollution is particularly a health concern for people with heart or breathing problems, those with diabetes, children and the elderly.”
With daytime highs likley to remain between 31 and 34 Celsius in the coming days, Toronto city has opened eight cooling centres that “will offer a publicly accessible, air-conditioned place to rest indoors and receive a drink.”
The Toronto cooling centres are located at:
- East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
- Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
- Metro Hall, 55 John St.
- North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
- Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
- Domenico Di Luca Community Centre, 25 Stanley Rd.
- Don Montgomery Community Centre, 2467 Eglinton Ave.
- Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave.
While Metro Hall is open 24 hours, the other cooling centres are open from 11 am to 7 pm.
“Staff who are trained to assist residents affected by the extreme heat will be on hand. Strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” a Toronto city statement said.
Region of Peel has also warned residents of Mississauga and Brampton to take precautions if they are going to a vaccine clinic.
A heat warning is in effect for Brampton and Mississauga. If you’re attending a vaccine clinic this weekend, remember to stay in your car until 10 minutes before your appointment and bring water. Learn more on our website: https://t.co/IgNV4tIXA0 pic.twitter.com/18PrRFxRgb
— Region of Peel (@regionofpeel) June 6, 2021
Saturday, June 5, was the hottest day in Toronto in 80 years.
The previous highest temperature recorded on June 5 in the city was 30 degrees C in 1940.
This unsual early start to the heat wave, which normally begins around June 20, is likley to last for a few days. Record high temperatures are registered only in the month of July.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Toronto was 41 degrees Celsius on July 10, 1936.
In the last decade, Toronto’s highest temperature of 38 degrees Celsius was recorded on July 21, 2011.
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