Heat warning blankets Toronto and Brampton through Wednesday

Toronto and Brampton are bracing for dangerous heat this week. Environment Canada issued a yellow heat warning beginning Monday, July 13, with temperatures expected to reach 30–36°C and humidex values climbing to 38–45°C through Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. Tuesday will see the peak of the heat event.

The city has activated its Heat Relief Strategy, making more than 500 Cool Spaces available across libraries, community centres, and civic centres. Several civic centres will extend hours until 9:30 p.m., including Metro Hall, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York, and East York locations. The city is also deploying four mobile drinking water trailers starting Monday at noon, stationed at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, East York Civic Centre, and Barbara Hall Park.

Toronto's outdoor pools and splash pads remain open with extended hours. Ten supervised beaches operate from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., more than 170 splash pads run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 57 outdoor pools open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eight pools will stay open until 11:45 p.m. throughout the warning: Alex Duff, Giovanni Caboto, Heron Park, McGregor Park, Monarch Park, North Toronto Memorial, Smithfield Park, and Sunnyside Gus Ryder.

The city is also increasing wellness checks and distributing water, sunscreen, and hygiene kits to people experiencing homelessness. An additional 113 contingency shelter spaces will open Monday, and a 24-hour cool space at 136 Spadina Rd. will offer air-conditioned seating, refreshments, and recreational activities. Residents concerned about someone experiencing homelessness can call 311 for outreach support. Environment Canada is urging residents to drink water often, turn on air conditioning, close blinds, and watch for early signs of heat exhaustion—headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue—and call 911 if heat stroke symptoms appear: red and hot skin, nausea, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.