Officials issue heat warning, air quality statement for Toronto

Officials are urging residents to take care after issuing a heat warning and air quality statement for Toronto.

In an Environment Canada heat warning issued Sunday morning, meteorologists said the weather conditions on Sunday and Monday are expected to be “the most significant heat episode of the year” for southern Ontario.

The weather agency said we could see a daytime high of 33 C for Sunday and 34 C for Monday. But humidex values will make it feel like 38 and 40 C, respectively.

Making matters more difficult, high levels of air pollution are expected Sunday. Environment Canada said people may experience symptoms like increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.

READ MORE: Heat Stroke: What you need to know

The City of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, who also issued a heat warning, encouraged the public to check-in with those who might be vulnerable to the hot weather.

Older adults and young children, as well as people suffering from chronic illness and those without access to air conditioning, are at greater risk of developing heat-related illness.

Toronto health officials recommended taking the following precautions to combat the heat:

• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty
• Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls or one of many local libraries or community centres located in each neighbourhood
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down
• Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and, when outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day
• Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car

Anyone needing assistance in dealing with the heat is being encouraged to call the City of Toronto by dialing 311.

If you’re looking to cool off, the City of Toronto has opened 90 splash pads. The splash pads operate between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET.

Toronto recreation staff were also scheduled to open 10 outdoor pools at the following locations:

Etobicoke York District
Pine Point Outdoor Pool, 15 Grierson Rd.
Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
West Mall Outdoor Pool, 370 The West Mall

North York District
Grandravine Community Recreation Centre, 23 Grandravine Dr.
Pleasantview Community Centre, 545 Van Horne Ave.

Scarborough District
Heron Park Outdoor Pool, 292 Manse Rd.
McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.

Toronto and East York District
Stanley Park South Outdoor Pool, 700 Wellington St. W.
Donald D. Summerville, 1867 Lake Shore Blvd. E
Kiwanis Outdoor Pool, 375 Cedarvale Ave.

Meanwhile, there is relief expected as of Monday evening. Environment Canada said a cold front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms, which should usher in cooler conditions.