The heat wave that’s enveloped Toronto this week will continue into the weekend, with Environment Canada extending its orange-level warning of high temperatures into Saturday.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31 to 33 C Saturday, with a low of 21 C, the federal weather agency said Friday. Earlier this week, temperatures were expected to drop below 30 C by the weekend.
Heat warnings are issued when daytime highs hit 31 C and overnight lows stay at 20 C or above, or when the humidex reaches 40 for at least two days.
Temperatures peaked this week on Wednesday and Thursday, with weather-related power outages reported in the city on Canada Day.
The warning comes as a heat dome has hovered over much of North America.
The city of Toronto is continuing with its heat relief strategy through the heat warning, according to a city bulletin issued Friday. That includes extended pool hours and opening cooling spaces.
On Friday, Environment Canada issued a yellow-level warning for severe thunderstorms, but that has since ended. North of the city, in Aurora and Newmarket, meanwhile, York police say they received several calls around 3 p.m. about downed trees and power lines, as well as property damage.
Environment Canada issues yellow warnings when “hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption or health impacts,” while orange warnings are issued when “severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts.”