City of Toronto shares advice for residents to keep cool during first heat event of summer 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a Heat Warning for Toronto beginning Monday, June 17, with dangerously hot and humid conditions expected through most of the week.  

ECCC is forecasting daytime high temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45, and nighttime temperatures of 20 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30. 

Extreme heat poses significant health risks including heat stress, heat stroke and even death. Vulnerable populations such as infants, seniors, those with certain health conditions and people who work or spend a lot of time outdoors are particularly at risk. 

Tips for staying safe during hot weather include: 

• Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, even when not thirsty. 
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day. 
• Seek shade or use an umbrella to avoid direct sun exposure. 
• Use a fan to circulate cool air indoors when the temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius. 
• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to block out the sun. 
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hats outdoors. 
• Take cool showers or use cool, wet towels to cool down. 
• In an emergency, always call 911. 

More information and tips for preventing heat-related illness can also be found on the City’s Keep Cool webpage.  

Cool Spaces
To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents during the summer season, the City of Toronto activates its Heat Relief Strategy from May 15 to September 30 each year.  

A key part of the strategy is the Heat Relief Network where people can access Cool Spaces across the city including libraries, community centres and pools, to seek relief from summer heat.  

Yesterday, the City’s 10 wading pools and 10 outdoor pools opened ahead of schedule to provide residents with more options for staying cool during hot weather. For more information, including pool hours, visit the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage.

An interactive map of all Cool Spaces is available on the City’s website. 

About Heat Warnings 

ECCC issues Heat Warnings when: 

• Two or more consecutive days are forecasted with daytime maximum temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius or higher, together with a minimum nighttime temperature of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, or  
• When two or more consecutive days are forecasted with humidex values reaching 40 or higher.  

Due to climate change, Toronto is expected to experience higher summer temperatures, unpredictable weather and more extremely hot days.  

Residents can stay up to date on heat warnings by visiting the ECCC website. 

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