'Significant' extreme heat event continues to grip Toronto

Toronto remains under a heat warning this weekend and an Environment Canada meteorologist says the extreme heat event is "significant" because of how long it's expected to continue.

"It's the duration this time that's unusual," Gerald Cheng, meteorologist for Environment Canada, told CBC Toronto. 

The event could mean extreme heat for many days in a row, he added.

The warning was first issued by Environment Canada on Thursday to let residents know about extreme heat starting on Friday.

The sweltering temperatures are expected to remain in place for the Canada Day long weekend and could be around even longer. 

"It looks like it's going to continue," he added.

High temperatures for the week are forecast to be in the low to mid-30s, with low temperatures at night forecast to be in the low-20s. The humidex is expected to push into the mid-40s on Saturday and Sunday. 

Overnight low temperatures for the week are expected to be in the low to mid-20s in urban areas and high teens in some rural areas. That means "little to no relief" from the heat at night, Environment Canada said in the warning. 

On Saturday, the high temperature is forecast to be 36 C, but it will feel like 45, with the humidex value. The low temperature is forecast to be 24 C.

Weather could break records

Environment Canada will not know until the end of Saturday if the day's high temperature is breaking a record set at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The Pearson record for June 30 is 35 C set in 1964.

"It is still possible. We're still waiting," Cheng said.

The Pearson record for Canada Day is 35.6 C on July 1, 2002, while the Pearson record for July 2nd is 35.3 C also set in 2002. Cheng said it's possible those records could be broken, but it's less likely on Monday.

In its heat warning on Saturday, Environment Canada said: "Current indications suggest hot temperatures could persist through next week. This will be the most significant heat event in the past few years."

And there's no reprieve in sight. 

The high for Canada Day is forecast to be 35 C, with a low at night of 22 C, while the high for July 2nd is expected to be 31 C, with a low at night of 21 C.

Cheng said an air mass from the Gulf of Mexico is bringing the hot and humid weather to Toronto.

And the weather is causing people and events to adjust their plans.

Jays close Rogers Centre roof

At the Rogers Centre, the Toronto Blue Jays closed the roof for its second game in the series against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday "as a precaution" because of the extreme heat.

The Toronto Blue Jays said, in the interests of fan safety, it was also providing several water stations throughout the 100, 200, and 500 level concourses Saturday through Monday. The stations are allowing fans to refill water bottles.

"Fans coming down to the ballpark this long weekend are being urged to stay hydrated and take the necessary measures to protect themselves against the weather conditions, such as using sunscreen and wearing hats," the team said in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in a tweet on Saturday, the city said the heat warning it issued for Toronto on Friday is remaining in place until further notice.

It said people can find respite from the heat in its seven cooling stations across the city. These air-conditioned facilities allow people to rest and receive a cool drink and light snack.

'Extreme heat affects everyone'

"It's hot outside! Just imagine the temp inside a car. Never leave people or pets unattended in a vehicle," Toronto Public Health tweeted.

"Extreme heat affects everyone," Environment Canada added. 

Risks are greatest for young children, pregnant women, older people, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Symptoms of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of some health conditions.

Cheng said the federal weather agency is urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors where there is air conditioning, reduce physical activity during the height of the day, and not to leave pets and children in cars with the windows up during the day.

The Ontario SPCA also recommends, in its pet safety tips for the Canada Day long weekend, that pet owners keep their pets cool.

It recommends giving your pets access to shade, ensuring they have water and testing the pavement to ensure it doesn't burn a dog's paws.