The City of Toronto issued an extreme heat alert on Wednesday, as southern Ontario prepared for several days of scorching temperatures that could flirt with Canadian records.
Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's medical officer of health, warned city residents that the high temperatures could be treacherous for at-risk adults, seniors and the homeless.
Temperatures on Wednesday reached as high as 34 degrees Celsius, while Thursday's forecast calls for highs of 37 C, with a humidex reading of 46 C.
According to some readings, Thursday's scorcher could become the city's hottest day since 1937 – when Environment Canada opened their weather station at Pearson Airport.
According to Environment Canada's David Phillips, the hottest day ever recorded at that weather station was on Aug. 25, 1948, when the mercury reached 38.3 C.
In 1936, a weather station at the University of Toronto recorded a temperature of 40.6 C for three consecutive days.
Thursday's predicted high should still fall shy of the Canadian record of 45 C, set in Midale and Yellow Grass Sask., in 1937.
An extreme heat alert is declared when the risk of heat-related death in the city is 50 per cent higher than what it would be on a day without a heat alert, according to Toronto Public Health.
The city has opened seven cooling centres across the city and extended hours at nine pools.
The public is encouraged to call or visit family and friends who are at a greater risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses, such as isolated adults and seniors.
It is also recommended residents drink extra water or fruit juice, wear light clothing and stay out of the sun.
In addition to air-conditioned shopping malls, libraries and community centres, the public can also seek shelter at the following cooling centres:
- Metro Hall - 55 John St. (24 hours)
- East York Civic Centre - 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- North York Civic Centre - 5100 Yonge St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Driftwood Community Centre - 4401 Jane St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Etobicoke Olympium - 590 Rathburn Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- McGregor Community Centre - 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Centennial Park Community Centre - 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Everyone from the Red Cross to provincial health organizations are rushing out tips on how to survive what is expected to be several days of potentially deadly hot weather.
Red Cross volunteers spent Wednesday handing out bottles of water in public places such as Moss Park, a popular gathering place for the city's homeless community.
With Toronto under an indefinite extreme heat alert, the Red Cross says it is vital that residents stay hydrated.
"It their body temperature goes up 40 C internally, they are in serious danger of hurting themselves permanently and certainly in the short term quite seriously," said disaster services manager Tom Windebank.
First aid provider St. John Ambulance issued a warning on Wednesday that heat-related illnesses can strike quickly during a heat wave, stating that muscle cramps caused by dehydration should be taken seriously.
St. John Ambulance also said heatstrokes can result in permanent brain damage if not treated seriously. If you or someone you know suffers from a rapid pulse, weakness and flushed skin, that person should call for medical assistance and seek a cool, shaded place to rest.
Those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call the Canadian Red Cross Heat Information Line at 416-480-2615 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Ontarians using more electricity
As the heat rises, Torontonians are cranking on their air conditioners and ramping up the amount of energy they are consuming.
Ontario's power demand was projected to reach as high as 24,349 megawatts of electricity Wednesday evening, according to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
With a report from CTV Toronto's Austin Delaney
