First Major Heat Event of the Season Grips the City
TORONTO – WEATHER ALERT – Grab your sunscreen, shades, and the biggest reusable water bottle you can find—Toronto is officially sizzling. As of 6:00 AM EDT, it’s already a balmy 25°C at Toronto Pearson International Airport with a humidex of 33, and we’re just getting started. With humidity sitting at 76% and winds out of the southwest at 17 km/h gusting to 32, today marks the onset of the season’s first significant heat event, and it’s going to linger for days.
The barometric pressure is rising at 101.3 kPa, but don’t expect much relief. Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for Toronto, and it’s one to take seriously.
Today: Clouds Giving Way to Heat
This morning starts off mostly cloudy, but skies are expected to clear this afternoon. That sunshine won’t come with comfort though. Temperatures will soar to a scorching 34°C, but the humidex will make it feel like a blistering 45°C. Winds will shift to west at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, before calming later in the day. The UV index will hit 9, categorized as very high, so sunburn is a matter of minutes without protection.
Tonight: No Cooling Off Here
As the sun dips, don’t expect much relief. Tonight’s low is a sultry 24°C, keeping the city wrapped in heat all night long. If you don’t have air conditioning, seek out cooling centres or shaded public spaces, and drink water like it’s your job.
Monday: Even Hotter
Heat lovers, rejoice—or maybe reconsider. Monday brings full sunshine and a high of 35°C, with a humidex near 43. Winds from the southwest at 20 km/h gusting to 40 will offer some movement, but not much comfort. The UV index will spike to 10, so sun safety is critical.
Extended Outlook: Slight Relief Mid-Week
Tuesday continues the heat trend, with a high of 34°C under mixed skies and a 30 percent chance of showers that might bring temporary relief. Overnight low dips to 21°C, still uncomfortably warm. Wednesday might finally crack the heat’s grip with increased cloud cover and a more manageable high of 25°C, and nighttime lows returning to 18°C.
What to Wear and How to Cope
Today’s fashion code? Loose, light, and minimal. Go with light-coloured, breathable fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Hydration is crucial—start drinking water early and keep sipping throughout the day.
If you’re heading outdoors, stick to early morning or late evening activities. Limit exposure in the peak heat window between 11 AM and 4 PM. And whatever you do, do not leave pets or people inside parked vehicles.
Safety First – Recognize Heat Illness
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If someone seems confused or has red, hot skin—call 911 immediately, it could be heat stroke. While you wait, move them to a cool spot, apply cold compresses, and remove excess clothing.
Weather Trivia – When Has Toronto Been This Hot?
Toronto’s all-time June high was 36.7°C on June 25, 1988. With forecast highs brushing that mark, we may be nudging historical heat territory—so keep cool and stay safe.
