Southern Ontario is experiencing extreme heat and humidity as a heat warning is still in effect for the area, prompting many municipalities to enact fire bans.
Environment Canada issued the heat warning on Friday, indicating that the ongoing heat wave will result in daytime temperatures between 30 °C and 33 °C, with humidity making it feel like 40.
In an update released on Monday, the national weather agency noted that daytime highs for the next couple of days will be between 32 °C and 33 °C, with humidex values reaching up to 42.
According to Environment Canada, this latest heat wave is expected to last through Tuesday or possibly Wednesday in some regions.
“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 their latest update.
This marks the sixth heat warning for the GTA this summer; however, a severe weather meteorologist from Environment Canada mentioned that another heat warning might be issued later this month.
The hot and humid air can also lead to worsening air quality, potentially causing the Air Quality Health Index to approach high-risk levels. As of 7 a. m. on Monday, the index was measured 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 with disabilities or mobility challenges.
“Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty, to decrease your risk of dehydration,” says Environment Canada. “Never leave people, particularly children or pets inside a parked vehicle.”
The intense heat has also led more than a dozen municipalities to implement fire bans.
Vaughan, Kawartha Lakes, Clarington, King Township, Oshawa, Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Innisfil, Pickering, Caledon, Milton and Oakville are among those banning all open-air fires.
The Ontario government states that a burn ban includes “all burning including grass debris and campfires even when using an outdoor fire grate fireplace or fire pit.”
This comes as a wildfire continues burning in Kawartha Lakes.
Click here for the full forecast.
A family takes pictures in the shade on a hot day in Toronto on June 23 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Keep it Factual
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