Hot weather here to stay
The only thunder Torontonians will hear in the city this weekend will be the engine roar of race cars as they speed around the Honda Indy track set up on the lakeshore.
And though the roads will be returned to commuters by midnight Sunday, the summer weather is staying for a while. Forecasters are calling for seven days of high temperatures and clear skies, broken up only by a few clouds with no precipitation predicted until the following week.
With a high of 26 C on Saturday and a UV index of 10 or very high, experts warn that sunscreen is a must this weekend for those out watching the Indy race or attending one of Toronto’s outdoor events.
“It’s not cool to burn,” Environment Canada is warning. “Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.”
Besides the Honda Indy at Exhibition place, three other major outdoor events are taking place in the GTA. The Taste of Lawrence festival, Afrofest and Salsa on St. Clair are all open-air fests with food and music and the potential for sunburn.
Environment Canada is advising that extra precautions are needed on days with very high UV ratings. If you must be outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m when the sun is strongest, wear a hat, wear sunscreen and seek shade where possible.
Temperatures will hover around 30 into next week. Current temperatures are right around normal for this time of year, with the average July temperature at 26.4 C.
The only reason that Toronto 'sizzles in the heat' is it has turned itself into one massive heat absorber with all its enormous pre-formed concrete structures, asphalt, brick, etc. If Toronto had much more greenspace and reduced the size of its massive heat-absorbers (condos, towers, retail malls), then it would see a reduction in the awful heat of its self-made 'heat island'. Add more rooftop gardens for a start, but stop destroying the local natural environment. I predict heat strokes will start claiming more people unless Toronto faces its predicament.
Posted by: Vic | 07/09/2011 at 07:27 PM
I don't think anybody is arguing that it's hot. Just remember, it'll be -10C in a few months.
Posted by: Mark Berry | 07/09/2011 at 08:33 PM
How is 26-31°C a major heat episode? Southern Ontario and Toronto in particular see this yearly! This is nothing unusual. When we get those spells of 34-35°C with humidex values into the mid-forties, I'd totally understand it being news worthy.... But this?! This is what we wait all winter for. This is BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: Blunt Canadian | 07/10/2011 at 12:25 AM
I am a Torontonian currently visiting Riyadh. We escaped the heat of the city last friday night to play soccer in the suburb on an artificial turf, and you guess right, at night. We had the game between 9 pm and 10.20 pm. By the time we got into the car, the temperature guage was 38 degrees C and by the time we got to the city it was measuring 41 degree (at 11 pm). Folks enjoy the lovely weather you are having back home in Toronto.
Posted by: AbdulRazaq | 07/10/2011 at 01:36 AM
Vic, these temperatures are not unique to Toronto .. pretty much any city in South Western Ontario is facing the same heat levels.
And as Mark said, yeah, no one is complaining. This is great. Summer is short, let's enjoy it!
Posted by: Bosko | 07/10/2011 at 08:50 AM
High of 26, 30 - Toronto "sizzles" in heat!! Get a life Daffodils - this is beaurtiful weather - get out and enjoy while it lasts - only a few weeks.
Posted by: RB-TO | 07/10/2011 at 09:48 AM
After living for 30yrs in Arizona about 105 (F) is just right!
Posted by: Yes! | 07/10/2011 at 09:55 AM
thankfully the humidity has been low on a lot of days... it isn't these temps that i find difficult (yes, some people find the heat hard, people, so leave us alone) its the humidity which on many a day in Toronto, can be really, really heavy and gross.
Posted by: mark | 07/10/2011 at 12:38 PM
It's OK to find hot temperatures uncomfortable. It's not a sign of weakness or failure. It's just personal preference. I'm sure those of you who are making fun of the "Daffodils" will be complaining plenty yourselves in January when it's -25C.
Posted by: be_nice | 07/10/2011 at 01:15 PM
I am a winter wimp. Agree with others that these are the temps I wait for all winter. Enjoy!
Posted by: gin | 07/10/2011 at 06:41 PM
the weather is amazing but wish it was hot with no humidity tomorrow its supposed to feel like 43!! not looking forward to that.
Posted by: Julie | 07/10/2011 at 07:28 PM