A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for Toronto and a lot of regions of Ontario amid soaring temperatures and muggy conditions.
The National Weather Agency in its advisory warned of a risk of high levels of air pollution.
The statement read: “Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations north of Lake Ontario.
“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.”
According to Environment Canada, those with lung diseases like asthma and COPD can be “particularly sensitive to air pollution,” adding that they can experience “more serious health effects” at lower levels.
The advisory read: “Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.”
A special weather statement induced by a “cluster” of slow moving thunderstorms recently has ended but a heat warning remains in effect for the Greater Toronto Area.
The national weather agency warned that “dangerously hot and humid conditions” should be expected throughout the week, with humidex values ranging from 40 to 45.
Environmental Canada said: “There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 20 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30.”
Toronto will witness a high of 32 C today but the temperature will be closer to 41 when humidity is factored in.
In reaction to the heat event, the City of Toronto opted to open 10 outdoor pools and 10 wading pools ahead of schedule and extend operating hours at those 10 facilities.
Between Monday and Thursday, Heron Park Community Centre, Kiwanis Outdoor Pool, Pine Point Park Outdoor Pool, Riverdale Park East, and West Mall Outdoor Pool will be open, weather permitting, till 9 p.m. McGregor Park, Alex Duff Memorial Pool, North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, Parkway Forest Outdoor Pool, and Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool will be open, weather permitting till 10 p.m