The blisteringly hot weather is continuing Thursday throughout the GTA, bringing a chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
The extreme heat and humidity will see it feeling close to 45 with a high of 35 C as the orange heat warning remains in effect. The record high for July 2 was set back in 2022 at 35.3 C.
Bring your umbrellas if you are headed to Toronto’s final FIFA World Cup match at 7 p.m. as a risk of widespread severe thunderstorms continues into the night.
Related:
The heat warning will remain in place on Friday with a risk of storms and a high of 32 C, feeling more like 41.
Saturday will see slightly lower temperatures with a chance of showers and a high of 30 C. The humidex is forecasted to be around 35.
The temperature will drop slightly again on Sunday with a high of 28 C and a low of 18 C overnight. The chance of rain remains in place on Sunday as well as the weather returns to seasonal.
The City of Toronto has extending pool hours and opening cooling centres to contend with the long heat event.
“The heat relief network is a city‑wide network of more than 500 cool spaces available throughout the summer, not just during heat warnings,” the City’s website said.
“Take a break from the heat in comfortable, welcoming spaces like libraries, community centres, civic buildings, pools, splash pads, select malls and partner facilities.”
You can find one of the city’s cool spaces here. A 24-hour cooling space has also been opened at 136 Spadina.
The City also cancelled their watch party at Nathan Phillips Square due the extreme heat forecast and the resources required to safely manage large crowds at Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Fest.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is also urging people to check on vulnerable neighbours and community members.
“Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health,” its website stated.