Canada Day weather 'stifling' in Toronto as city continues to endure heat wave

Toronto remains under a heat warningwith the temperature expected to reach 35C as the city celebrates Canada Day.

It will feel like closer to 45with the humidity.

The city is in the midst of an "extreme heat event," Environment Canada said in its warning on Sunday.

• 'Significant' extreme heat event continues to grip Toronto

• Toronto, Metrolinx issue heat warnings for Canada Day long weekend

Temperatures well above seasonal

Seasonal temperatures atthis time of year should be around themid 20sfor Toronto and surrounding regions, according to GeraldCheng,a meteorologist for Environment Canada.

"It's a heat wave for sure, and it's stifling," he toldCBC Toronto.

"If you look at the forecast, there is no relief in sight. We are looking at temperatures 30 or above all the way until Friday."

It's a heat wave for sure and it's stifling.We are looking at temperatures 30 or above all the way until Friday.- Gerald Chend

Chengsaid that overnight temperatures will also be above seasonal.

Based on the forecast, the temperature isstaying at 20 or above even during night time, so people are not getting a break from theheat, the meteorologist said.

Toronto Public Health, meanwhile, has extended its heat warning for the city. It is advising people to take stepsto prevent health-related illnesses.

All seven cooling centres in the city areopen.

Dr. Eileen de Villa,Toronto's medical officer of health, saidthe extended heat warning will remain in place until further notice.

During the extended heat warning, peopleare encouraged to visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids.

Peopleat risk of heat-related illnesses include thosewith chronic illnesses, peoplewith limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and thehomeless.

Coolingcentres

In addition to its cooling centres, there are many other places where people can go to escape the heat, the city said.

There are swimming pools, beaches, air-conditioned shopping malls,local libraries and 180 air-conditioned community centres.

For people experiencing homelessness, the city said TTC tokens are available at several drop-ins throughout the city to be used to get to cool places.

Health officials say people canbeat the heat by taking these steps:

Drink lots of cool water even before feelingthirsty.
Go to air-conditioned places, including shopping malls, local libraries and community centres.
Take cool showersor baths or use cool, wet towels to cool down.
Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
Reschedule or plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car.

The sweltering weather is expected topersist in Toronto thisweek.