How many temperature records will Toronto break today?
Posted July 22, 2016 6:04 am.
Last Updated July 22, 2016 9:09 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Toronto and the GTA could be in for a record-setting scorcher of a day on Friday with temperatures expected to soar to the mid-30s.
A heat warning, which was issued by Environment Canada on Wednesday, remains in effect for much of southern Ontario. Toronto’s acting medical officer of health also issued a heat warning for the city on Thursday.
Humidex values across the region will be in the 40s, 680 NEWS meteorologist Jill Taylor said.
Taylor said Friday’s high will be 35 C but it will feel like 41 C with the humidity.
Toronto could potentially break two temperature records on Friday: the hottest July 22 on record and the warmest day of the year.
The record temperature for a July 22 was 35.6 C, which was set in 1955, Taylor said. The hottest day so far was 36 C on July 13.
So far this season, Toronto has had eight days of temperatures at 30 C or more in July, as recorded at Pearson Airport. That number does not include Friday.
Somewhat cooler temperatures are in store for the weekend, but it will still be hot.
“Temperature and humidex values tonight into the weekend are forecast below warning criteria but it will still be quite warm through the weekend into next week,” Environment Canada said.
It will be mainly sunny on Saturday and Sunday with temperatures hovering around the 30s. The humidex will still be intense on both days, in the high 30s.
Environment Canada issues a heat warning when “very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”
The health risks associated with the heat are the greatest for seniors, children, people with breathing difficulties and heart conditions, the homeless, those who work and exercise in the heat, and people without access to an air conditioned space.
People are being advised to keep out of the heat and to drink plenty of liquids.
If you are looking for a place to cool off, the city’s outdoor pools are open, including more than 90 splash pads and more than 100 supervised wading pools. There are also several air conditioned spaces in the city.
With the intense heat comes an increase in power demand. Toronto Hydro is reminding customers one way you can conserve power is by turning off the air conditioner when you aren’t home.
