The heatwave gripping Toronto and areas in eastern Canada has persisted for three consecutive days, with the city's temperature peaking at 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday. According to Environment Canada, this spike marks the first time the city has faced such high temperatures in almost nine years. Coupled with high humidity, the oppressive heat is pushing many residents to seek refuge indoors, leading to warnings from city officials regarding the risks of heat exhaustion.
Local meteorologist, Steven Flisfeder, noted the challenge of keeping cool when humidity levels rise, complicating the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In response, Toronto has issued health alerts advising citizens to remain in air-conditioned spaces, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as extreme fatigue and nausea.
The relentless heat has forced some public pools to close intermittently, inciting public frustration, particularly among families hoping to escape the heat. Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the issue, attributing the closures to labor safety regulations restricting lifeguards from working in extreme conditions. Chow assured residents that the city is exploring solutions, including increasing lifeguard staffing and creating shaded areas for them.
Amid rising temperatures, the Toronto District School Board sent out communications to parents, urging them to prepare for "uncomfortable" conditions in schools, many of which lack air conditioning. Out of 579 schools in the district, only 177 are equipped with cooling systems, reflecting a broader trend as approximately two-thirds of Canadian homes possess air conditioning, in stark contrast to the nearly universal air conditioning found in U.S. homes.
As the heatwave shows signs of easing, forecasters anticipate more moderate temperatures for Toronto and surrounding regions starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, other cities, including Ottawa and Montreal, are enduring similar heat challenges.
Vjosa Isai is a reporter for The Times in Toronto, providing insights and updates from across Canada.
Local meteorologist, Steven Flisfeder, noted the challenge of keeping cool when humidity levels rise, complicating the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In response, Toronto has issued health alerts advising citizens to remain in air-conditioned spaces, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as extreme fatigue and nausea.
The relentless heat has forced some public pools to close intermittently, inciting public frustration, particularly among families hoping to escape the heat. Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged the issue, attributing the closures to labor safety regulations restricting lifeguards from working in extreme conditions. Chow assured residents that the city is exploring solutions, including increasing lifeguard staffing and creating shaded areas for them.
Amid rising temperatures, the Toronto District School Board sent out communications to parents, urging them to prepare for "uncomfortable" conditions in schools, many of which lack air conditioning. Out of 579 schools in the district, only 177 are equipped with cooling systems, reflecting a broader trend as approximately two-thirds of Canadian homes possess air conditioning, in stark contrast to the nearly universal air conditioning found in U.S. homes.
As the heatwave shows signs of easing, forecasters anticipate more moderate temperatures for Toronto and surrounding regions starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, other cities, including Ottawa and Montreal, are enduring similar heat challenges.
Vjosa Isai is a reporter for The Times in Toronto, providing insights and updates from across Canada.
