Most of Ontario, including the city of Toronto, is under a heat warning and an expert says this could be the start of a “warmer-than-usual” summer.
Temperatures in Toronto are expected to reach about 40 ºC with humidex over the next two days, with little relief overnight.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning Monday afternoon, forecasting “hot and humid conditions” on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“On Tuesday and Wednesday high temperatures are expected during the day to reach 31 degrees Celsius with humidex values in the top thirty,” the notice says.
The weather agency predicts a high of 32 C for Tuesday, feeling 40 C with the humidex. In addition, there is a 40 percent risk of storms in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the temperature is expected to rise to 31 ºC with a 60 percent chance of storms.
Environment Canada warns that hot and humid air can cause deteriorating air quality and that residents should watch for signs of heat illness. Symptoms include swelling, rashes, cramps, heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke.
Although slightly cooler temperatures are expected on Thursday, Environment Canada still forecasts a maximum of 29 ºC.
Environment Canada senior climatologist Dave Phillips warned that the rest of July and August may be “warmer than normal” across Canada.
“We’re really into what we call summer dog days,” he told CTV news channel. “A month after the longest day the warmest temperatures arrive on average and our models suggest that, looking ahead, the warmest part of summer has yet to arrive.”