Southern Ontario is currently experiencing intense heat and humidity, prompting a heat warning for the region. In response, many areas have implemented fire bans.
Environment Canada issued this warning on Friday, indicating that the ongoing heat event will bring daytime temperatures between 30 °C and 33 °C, with humidity making it feel like 40.
In a Monday update, the national weather agency forecasted daytime highs over the next couple of days to be between 32 °C and 33 °C, with humidex values possibly reaching as high as 42.
According to Environment Canada, this heat wave is expected to persist through Tuesday or even Wednesday in certain locations.
“A cooler air mass is expected to arrive Tuesday night, bringing an end to this heat event. There is the possibility that eastern Ontario and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area could see hot and humid conditions continue into Wednesday,” reads the latest update.
This marks the sixth heat warning issued for the GTA this summer; however, a severe weather meteorologist from Environment Canada mentioned that another heat warning might be necessary later this month.
The combination of hot and humid air can lead to poorer air quality and may push the Air Quality Health Index into a high-risk category. As of 7 a. m. on Monday, the index was reported between low and moderate risk.
Health officials warn that these warm, humid temperatures pose health risks for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, individuals with physical or mental illnesses, as well as those who have disabilities or mobility challenges.
“Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty, to decrease your risk of dehydration,” advises Environment Canada. “Never leave people, particularly children or pets inside a parked vehicle.”
The extreme temperatures have also led more than a dozen municipalities to declare fire bans.
Vaughan joins Kawartha Lakes, Clarington, King Township, Oshawa, Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Innisfil, Pickering, Caledon, Milton and Oakville in banning all open-air fires.
The Ontario government specifies that a burn ban covers “all burning including grass fires, debris burning and campfires-even when using an outdoor fire grate or pit.”
This comes as there are ongoing wildfires in Kawartha Lakes.
Click here for the full forecast.
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