Heat wave moving through southern Ontario
A heat warning is now in effect for Toronto and parts of the Greater Toronto Area, as the air quality in the region deteriorates.
At around 2 p.m., Environment Canada said a two-day heat wave will start Thursday, with daytime temperatures expected to be near 30 C today through Friday.
Overnight temperatures in Toronto are expected to be around the high teens tomorrow night, which the federal agency says can offer some relief from the blistering heat.
Max temperatures can reach as high as 31 C with minimum temperatures settling at around 17 C during this time.
The heat warning impacts southern parts of the province – including Hamilton, Vaughan, Pickering, Halton and Peel regions – and most of northeastern Ontario.
On Wednesday morning, at around 10:15 a.m., Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement, saying the air quality could pose a moderate risk to people in the area with the potential of increasing to high risk later in the day. Just before 10 p.m., the air quality statement ended.
The federal agency says the "hot and humid weather conditions" can lead to elevated levels of air pollution.
The statement is in effect for Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Halton Hills, Milton, Burlington, Oakville, Pickering, Oshawa, Newmarket Georgina, southern Durham Region and northern York Region.
In Toronto, Environment Canada says it is currently 27 C and can hit a high of 30 C, though it will be slightly cooler near Lake Ontario at a high of 22 C.
Some people may experience symptoms like increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath due to the air quality. Seniors, children, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, like asthma, are “especially” at risk, Environment Canada says.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to cut their time outside or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities until the special air quality statement is lifted.
“Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties,” the weather agency said in its statement, adding using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help.
Opening the windows in your home may also let in more polluted air, Environment Canada said.
Northern parts of Ontario are currently experiencing a heat wave, with heat warnings in effect as temperatures are expected to hit a maximum of 32 C.
Despite the current heat, the Weather Network says Canada’s summer forecast is expected to be cooler compared to the last few years.
For most of Ontario, a “changeable summer” is expected, Weather Network said, with hot weather periods cooling off with frequent cold fronts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.