Extreme Heat Alert continues for GTA

TORONTO – Toronto continues to be under an Extreme Heat Alert.

On Wednesday the city set a heat record for the second day in a row.

Toronto hit 31.4 C at Pearson Airport Wednesday afternoon, beating the previous high in 1944 of 30.6C.

The city continues to be under the Extreme Heat Alert, Thursday, however the mercury is expected to drop with isolated showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon, cooling the temperature.

All outdoor hot spots in Toronto have been heavily populated over the last few days with those taking in the unusually warm May weather.

Torontonians hit the beach, parents and children enjoyed splash pads, and others used any excuse they could think of to get a day off work.

Matt, who said he was ‘working from home,’ was wondering if Wednesday was a sign of things to come for summer 2010.

“I’m worried maybe people might start to spontaneously combust,” he laughed. “Who knows what august and June and July will bring, I’m a little worried, and I’m stocking up on sunscreen”

The only thing cool about the day was the temperature of Lake Ontario, but sunbathers at a packed Woodbine Beach didn’t let that get to them.

“It’s a little chilly [….] It’s the time of year, but we’re going out into it anyway,” Melissa told 680News as she was getting ready to go for a dip.

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During a heat alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, during an Extreme Heat Alert to make sure they are okay.

Other groups at risk include people with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are marginally housed or homeless.

In addition to using air conditioned shopping malls, local libraries and neighbourhood community centres as places to cool off, Cooling Centres are open during Extreme Heat Alerts for those in need at the following locations:

  • 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.)

Water and snacks are available at the seven Cooling Centres. Additional information on ways to help people cool off is available at http://www.toronto.ca/housing/cooling-centres.htm.

Some precautions to take during an Extreme Heat Alert are to drink lots of water and natural fruit juices, reduce strenuous activities outside especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., visit air conditioned places and wear a hat and proper sun screen.

The public is reminded to never leave the elderly, children or pets unattended in a car.

When an alert is declared, 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.

For more information about how to Beat the Heat, please visit www.toronto.ca/health.

The Extreme Heat Alert will be in effect until further notice.

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