Toronto Under Heat Warning as Cooling Centers Open
Toronto is experiencing a "dangerously hot" heat wave, prompting Environment Canada to issue a warning. In response, the city has opened over 500 cooling centers to provide relief for residents. Officials are urging vulnerable populations, in particular, to take necessary precautions against the extreme heat.
- A heat warning is issued for Toronto when the forecast predicts at least two consecutive days with daytime highs of 31°C or warmer and nighttime lows of 20°C or warmer, or when the humidex is expected to reach 40 or higher for two straight days. - The city's "Heat Relief Strategy" includes a network of accessible, air-conditioned spaces across Toronto. This network is comprised of libraries, community centres, and some private and non-profit organizations, including shopping malls and YMCA locations. - For the summer of 2025, Mayor Olivia Chow announced the opening of over 500 cool spaces citywide, which included libraries, community centres, and senior's homes. During that heat wave, six civic buildings were also opened to the public as cooling centres. - The city's response to heat waves has evolved; in 2018, a review by the medical officer of health found that the seven cooling centres used at the time were "not an effective strategy" due to variable usage and accessibility issues. - Toronto Public Health advises that symptoms of heat illness can include headache, nausea, dizziness, extreme thirst, and decreased urination. They recommend moving to a cool place and drinking water if these symptoms occur. - A 2023 study revealed that extreme weather events are becoming more common in Toronto due to climate change, leading to poor air quality and increased strain on the power grid during heat waves. - Historically, Toronto has experienced severe heatwaves, with the deadliest occurring in July 1936 when temperatures surpassed 40°C for three consecutive days, leading to over 200 deaths in the city. - More recently, the summer of 2025 was one of the hottest on record, with six heatwaves and 14 days where the temperature exceeded 32°C. On June 23, 2025, the temperature at Pearson International Airport reached 35.8°C, breaking a record set in 1921.
