Cities prep for heat wave crossing Ontario and Quebec

Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator says there will be enough electricity supply to meet the additional demand created by what's expected to be a prolonged heat wave.

Environment Canada warns many Ontario communities could experience dangerously high temperatures this week, with temperatures in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa feeling as hot as 45 C along with the humid conditions.

The Toronto District School Board says in a note to parents that it’s expecting “uncomfortable conditions” this week in schools that are only partially air-conditioned or have no A/C at all.

A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care says all nursing homes in the province, except for two that are being redeveloped, are "fully air-conditioned."

The City of Toronto, meanwhile, says people experiencing homelessness can seek reprieve from the heat at various drop-in centres, shelters and 24-hour respite sites across the city.

Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin says parts of southern and central Quebec are also bracing for extreme temperatures of between 30 and 35 C, with a humidex of over 40 C.

A spokesman for the City of Montreal says each borough has been creating a list of places for people to cool down, including some pools that are opening earlier than planned.

Environment Canada meteorologist Gerald Cheng says a weather system south of the border is driving the heat, with hot air expected to move eastward, blanketing much of southern Quebec and most of New Brunswick later this week.

Cheng says normal temperatures for this time of year are 25 C for daytime highs and 14 C for nighttime lows.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2024.