Yesterday's intense heat broke an 18-year temperature record in Toronto

If you’re anything like us, yesterday’s heat had you sweating buckets. And for good reason, it would seem.

According to Environment Canada, this July 2 was the hottest in 18 years, with daytime highs reaching 35.5°C. The last time it was nearly so hot on that date in Toronto was 2002, when the high hit 35.3°C.

Environment Canada

And the sun’s not stopping.

The heat warning issued for Toronto by Environment Canada on Thursday continues, as the first weekend of July calls for fiery feels-like temperatures in the city.

Environment Canada

Hot weather is expected to last through the weekend into early next week, the weather agency says, with a risk of a thunderstorm and a humidex of 37°C in Friday’s forecast.

Environment Canada

Over the next several days, daytime highs are projected to hit excesses of 30°C with humidex values in the high thirties to low forties — the pattern is expected to last until at least Sunday, and likely beyond.

Hot and humid air can bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category, Environment Canada says. Extreme heat affects everyone, and the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; and decreased urination with unusually dark urine.

To preserve their safety, people or pets should never be left inside a parked vehicle.

• See also:
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  • Toronto extends hours at six outdoor pools to help residents cope with extreme heat
  • Tornado touches down during Ontario storm: Environment Canada

As a safety measure, the City of Toronto has opened 15 Emergency Cooling Centres (ECCs) for the duration of the Heat Warning — these spaces are available to residents who do not have access to a cool space and cannot keep cool in their home or outdoors.

This interactive map shows ECCs across the city.

All the centres will operate from 11 am to 7 pm, except Metro Hall, 55 John Street, which will run 24 hours during the warning.