Earth Watch Report - Extreme Weather
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The official start of summer has brought sweltering conditions
through southern Ontario, with Toronto being placed under a heat alert
until until further notice. By the end of Sunday afternoon, Environment
Canada had recorded a high of 32 C at Pearson International Airport,
with the humidex factor hitching the perceived temperature to 40. With
high numbers registering on the thermometer, humidex index and UV scale,
residents were reminded about staying in the shade, hydrating and
keeping an eye on vulnerable people, such as children, isolated adults
and the elderly. The city also posted a list of cooling locations where
people could find air-conditioning and relief. Toronto Associate Medical
Officer of Health Barbara Yaffe declared the heat alert Sunday morning,
the second this year in the city. The first heat alert, three weeks
ago, was brief but this time, mercury readings are expected to remain
above 30 degrees until Wednesday, with risks of thunderstorms. Further
west, health officials issued a heat alert for Wellington county,
Dufferin county and the city of Guelph since Saturday, with the humid,
sweltering conditions also expected to last until mid-week. It was also a
scorching weekend in the Ottawa area. However, with the humidex
hovering under 35, the City of Ottawa’s public-health department
rescinded the heat warning it initially issued for Sunday.
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| Updated: |
Monday, 24 June, 2013 at 13:29 UTC |
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Toronto's medical officer has upgraded an existing heat alert to an
extreme heat alert with temperatures expected to hit 33 C today under a
humidex advisory. "The air out here, even in the early morning hours, is
already warm and sticky," CBC's Linda Ward reported at 7:30 a.m. ET
Monday. "People on their way to work are basking in this blast of summer
but are also eager to get to their air-conditioned workplaces." CBC
meteorologist Jay Scotland said the high humidity is what prompted the
heat alert upgrade. "It's not necessarily the temperature on the
thermometer we have to worry about," he said. "It's what it feels like
with the humidity in place. We are looking at humidex values in the high
30s to approaching the 40-degree mark this afternoon." The extreme heat
alert means the city will open cooling centres open and may extend the
opening hours of city pools. During an extreme heat alert, people are
encouraged to check on family, friends and neighbours, especially
vulnerable adults and children, to make sure they are keeping cool and
drinking plenty of fluids. People are also encouraged to seek shelter at
air-conditioned shopping malls, libraries, community centres and
city-run cooling centres in order to stay cool. Other tips on coping
with the heat include drinking lots of cool water, wearing loose,
breathable clothing and a hat, staying in the shade and never leaving
children, seniors or pets unattended in a car. The city first issued a
heat alert on Sunday, as temperatures began to climb and eventually
reached 32.1 C. Officials say the extreme heat alert will be in effect
until further notice. High temperatures are expected to continue
throughout the week, before cooling off by Friday.
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City upgrades heat alert to extreme heat alert
Chris Kitching, CP24.com
Published Monday, June 24, 2013 6:53AM EDT
Last Updated Monday, June 24, 2013 8:10PM EDT
Toronto Public Health has upgraded its heat alert to an extreme heat
alert, meaning cooling centres are open and pool hours are extended at
some facilities as people try to stay cool.
The city upgraded the alert Monday, as the region sweats through hot
and humid weather that is expected to last until the middle of the week.
A humidex advisory was previously issued by Environment Canada.
Temperatures of at least 30 C and humidex values near 40 are expected
until Thursday, when a weather disturbance is expected to move into the
region and bring a greater chance of rain and thunderstorms that should
break the heat, Environment Canada says.
Monday will bring a high of 31 C, mix of sun and cloud, rain and a risk
of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The UV index will be 9 or very high.
The temperature is a few degrees lower near Lake Ontario.
People who are looking for a place to escape the heat can head to
air-conditioned shopping malls, libraries or community centres, or one
of the following cooling centres operated by the city:
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Metro Hall, 55 John St. (24 hours)
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East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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North York Civic Centre, 511 Yonge St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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Driftwood Community Centre, 4401 Jane St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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McGregor Community Centre, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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Centennial Park Community Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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