Toronto, York Region issue heat alerts

The city of Toronto issued a heat alert Monday with temperatures forecast to reach a high of 33 C while a humidex advisory remains in effect for much of the province.

The hot muggy, conditions are expected to last for much of week.

"It is going to be sticky and temperatures are going to be above 30 C for most of the work week," said CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland. "We will see relief toward the end of the week with thunderstorms."

• 7 tips to stay cool in a heat wave

When a heat alert is issued, the city opens seven cooling centres, offering visitors an air-conditioned environment, along with water and light snacks.

Toronto's medical officer of health is warning people to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from the high temperatures.

York Region also issued a heat advisory, noting that Environment Canadaexpects these conditionsto last until Friday.

The municipality is warning residents to find ways to stay cool, including by:

• Staying indoors in cool, well-ventilated areas.
• Seeking shelter at air-conditioned buildings such as malls, community centresor public libraries.
• Drinking extra fluids to stay hydrated.
• Reducing physical activity and spending less time out in the sun, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
• Wearing light-coloured, breathableand loose-fitting clothing.
• Finding shade from umbrellas andwide-brimmed hats .

Toronto's medical officer issues a heat alert when "forecast weather conditions suggest the likelihood of a high level of mortality is between 25 and 50 per cent greater than what would be expected on a typical day," according to the City of Toronto website.

Anyone with heat-related concerns can call the Toronto's toll-free info line at 311. For public-health concerns in York Region, the York Region Health Connection can be reached at 1-800-361-5653 or at 1-866-252-9933.