The blistering heat sweeping across the northeastern United States has taken hold of Toronto and parts of eastern Canada for its third consecutive day, pushing residents indoors in search of air-conditioned relief. Health officials have issued warnings, and public schools have temporarily closed due to excessively high temperatures, which has sparked frustration among parents.
Environment Canada reported that temperatures soared to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, marking the hottest day in Toronto since July 2016. Humidity levels exacerbated the discomfort, with Tuesday's high reaching nearly 36 degrees Celsius again, leaving the city feeling oppressively muggy.
Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, emphasized the challenge of regulating body temperature in such humid conditions. In response to the extreme weather, Toronto's health officials have urged residents to stay cool, hydrate frequently, and be aware of heat exhaustion signs, which can manifest as nausea and severe fatigue.
Relief may be on the horizon, as meteorologists forecast a return to more typical late June temperatures for Wednesday. However, the heat has led to the sporadic closure of public pools due to labor safety regulations limiting lifeguard work in extreme heat, igniting anger among residents eager for a refreshing swim. Olivia Chow, Toronto's mayor, expressed regret about the closures and pledged to enhance lifeguard availability and improve shaded areas at pool sites.
Schools are also struggling to cope with the heat; the Toronto District School Board alerted parents to prepare students for “uncomfortable conditions.” The largest school district in Canada operates 579 schools, of which only about 30 percent feature air conditioning, contrasting sharply with the 90 percent rate in U.S. households.
Cities like Ottawa and Montreal are also facing similar sweltering conditions as the heatwave blankets southern Ontario and Quebec. Residents from these areas are expected to grapple with the pressing heat as they seek out relief from the relentless summer sun.
Environment Canada reported that temperatures soared to 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, marking the hottest day in Toronto since July 2016. Humidity levels exacerbated the discomfort, with Tuesday's high reaching nearly 36 degrees Celsius again, leaving the city feeling oppressively muggy.
Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, emphasized the challenge of regulating body temperature in such humid conditions. In response to the extreme weather, Toronto's health officials have urged residents to stay cool, hydrate frequently, and be aware of heat exhaustion signs, which can manifest as nausea and severe fatigue.
Relief may be on the horizon, as meteorologists forecast a return to more typical late June temperatures for Wednesday. However, the heat has led to the sporadic closure of public pools due to labor safety regulations limiting lifeguard work in extreme heat, igniting anger among residents eager for a refreshing swim. Olivia Chow, Toronto's mayor, expressed regret about the closures and pledged to enhance lifeguard availability and improve shaded areas at pool sites.
Schools are also struggling to cope with the heat; the Toronto District School Board alerted parents to prepare students for “uncomfortable conditions.” The largest school district in Canada operates 579 schools, of which only about 30 percent feature air conditioning, contrasting sharply with the 90 percent rate in U.S. households.
Cities like Ottawa and Montreal are also facing similar sweltering conditions as the heatwave blankets southern Ontario and Quebec. Residents from these areas are expected to grapple with the pressing heat as they seek out relief from the relentless summer sun.
