Extreme heat warning issued for Toronto on first day of summer

By News Staff

The first day of summer arrived in Toronto exactly as advertised: with an extreme heat warning.

Parts of the GTA are under a severe thunderstorm watch as much of southern Ontario deals with extreme heat and humidity.

Temperatures in Toronto are set to climb to 33 C on Monday, and it will feel close to 40. The new season officially arrives at 6:34 p.m., 680 NEWS meteorologist Jill Taylor said.

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of York Region, Durham Region, and Barrie, as well as other areas in southern Ontario (click here for the full list). The storms could bring strong wind gusts and large hail, Environment Canada warned.

In Toronto, the medical officer of health issued a heat warning for the city on Sunday, and it was upgraded to an extreme heat warning on Monday morning.

Once the heat is deemed “extreme,” the city can open its cooling centres (click here for the full list). Residents are also asked to call on or visit those who may be vulnerable to the heat, especially isolated adults, seniors and the chronically ill.

Environment Canada has a similar heat alert in effect for almost all of southern Ontario. A smog advisory has also been issued as deteriorating air quality is possible due to the hot and sunny conditions.

With the heat, Toronto Public Health is asking everyone to be wary of the symptoms of heat related illness. People with illnesses, the elderly and infants and young children are at increased risk for heat related stress, which can include dizziness, nausea, fainting, headaches, rapid breathing and heartbeat.

People are asked to drink lots of water, go to an air conditioned place such as a mall or community centre, wear loose, light, breathable clothing and void long term exposure to the sun

Also, never leave a person or a pet inside a parked car for an extended period in direct sunlight.

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