While the month of August is drawing to a close, summer shows no signs of slowing down.
With the mercury expected to top 33C in Toronto on Monday, the city’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David McKeown, upgraded a heat alert issued on Sunday to an extreme heat alert.
He is asking the public to check on any family members or friends who may be vulnerable to the heat, especially senior citizens. People with chronic and pre-existing illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are marginally housed or homeless are also at risk.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity and never leave the elderly, children or pets unattended in a car.
To escape the heat wave, try heading indoors to air conditioned public places like malls or libraries. There are also several city-operated cooling centres which will be open (11am to 7pm unless noted otherwise) during the extreme heat alert:
- Metro Hall - 55 John St. (24 hours)
- East York Civic Centre - 850 Coxwell Ave.
- North York Civic Centre - 5100 Yonge St.
- Driftwood Community Centre - 4401 Jane St.
- Etobicoke Olympium - 590 Rathburn Rd.
- McGregor Community Centre - 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
- Centennial Park Community Centre - 1967 Ellesmere Rd.
Water and snacks are available at all cooling centres.
This time of year, we normally see a high of 23C. And the highest temperature ever recorded on August 30 was 35C, back in 1953.
As the temperature soars on Monday afternoon, we’ll see some clouds, with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm.
But until the rain comes, break out the sunscreen: the UV index is 8, very high according to Environment Canada.
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Tips To Avoid Heat-Related Illness
- Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola
- Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler and smog levels may not be as high as in the afternoon. Wear a hat.
- Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
- Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
- Keep lights off or turned down low.
- Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
- Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
- Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.
- Never leave a child in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
- Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.