Ontario under orange heat warnings as wave lasts weekend

A prolonged and intense heat wave has settled over southern Ontario, with dangerously high temperatures and humidity expected to last through the weekend. Environment Canada has issued orange-level heat warnings for Toronto and surrounding regions, forecasting daytime highs reaching the mid-30s Celsius and humidex values making it feel like the low to mid-40s.

The heat event began on Tuesday, June 30, and is expected to persist through Friday and possibly into Saturday. The hottest conditions are anticipated for Wednesday and Thursday, with maximum temperatures forecast between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius. Nighttime will offer little relief, with minimum temperatures only dropping to the low 20s. Officials warn that the hot and humid air will also lead to deteriorating air quality, pushing the Air Quality Health Index toward the high-risk category.

Environment Canada and meteorologists attribute the scorching conditions to a classic heat dome setup, with very hot air moving north from Texas and the central United States combined with humidity from the Gulf of Mexico. The agency is urging residents to take the situation seriously, noting that prolonged heat can be deadly....