Toronto city authorities open ‘cooling centres’ amid soaring temperature

The Toronto city authorities have opened seven ‘cooling centres’ across the greater Toronto area to help residents avoid heatwave and heat-related illnesses.

In addition to the seven cooling centres, there are hundreds of air-conditioned places like community centres, public library branches, and shopping malls where the residents can take shelter.

“If you do not have air conditioning during Heat Alert/Extreme Heat Alerts, you can go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, community centres, libraries or a friend’s place.”

“A few hours in a cooler environment during extremely hot weather lowers the core body temperature and helps save lives,” the city authority put on its website.

Meanwhile, the Environment Canada has placed the city under a ‘heat warning’ as the temperature is likely to beat the previous record high of 31.1 degree Celsius on Monday.

“First heat event of the season continues today (Monday). Temperatures will reach the low thirties with humidex values near forty,” the Environment Canada said.

“Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions,” it added.

It urged residents to drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place, the statement said.

“Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building and never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”

A heat warning is issued when the humidex value is expected to reach 40°C or more or when the temperature is expected to reach levels ranging from 29°C to 40°C or greater depending on the location.

However, overnight lows are expected to be near 20 degrees, providing little relief from the heat during this timeframe.

“Temperatures are expected fall below heat warning criteria by Tuesday as a trough moves into Southern Ontario,” it added.

“Monday’s temperature may rise to 34 degree Celsius making it the highest temperature of the year,” the local news channel CP24 reported.

It would also beat the previous highest record of 31.1 degree Celsius during this time of the year, it added.

With over six million population, Toronto is the largest and most populous city in Canada.