Scorching temperatures continue in Central, Eastern Canada

CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Wednesday, July 17, 2013 6:44PM EDT
Last Updated Wednesday, July 17, 2013 8:41PM EDT

Temperatures continue to soar in parts of Central and Eastern Canada as residents try to keep cool during a sustained summer heat wave.

A pocket of heat coming from the American Midwest forced temperatures into the mid- to high-30s in urban centres like Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto earlier this week, but the sustained humidity is making it feel more like the 40 C or higher.

An extreme heat advisory remains in effect in Toronto, where public health officials have opened cooling centres and are urging residents to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbours.

Hospitals throughout Ontario reported a spike in emergency room visits as people were treated for breathing difficulties, dizziness and fatigue.

In Montreal, the blistering heat is taking its toll, as residents try to go about their daily business under unrelenting sunshine and humidity.

As the mercury rose to 33 C, officials there also issued health advisories urging residents reduce physical activity and drink plenty of water. Many people flocked to the city?s municipal pools, which are being kept open later into the evening.

Montreal?s public health department was also investigating Wednesday whether two deaths are linked to the heat.

Wet weather has been following the heat, with the Ottawa Valley and Western Quebec receiving summer storms. Trees were uprooted as high winds and heavy rains descended on the Pembroke, Ont., area Wednesday.

Environment Canada has issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Maritimers were given some respite from the heat Wednesday as the humidity lifted overnight. However, the humidity will return as showers move in on Thursday.

Environment Canada climatologist Dave Phillips said despite the discomfort, the temperatures are normal for this time of year.

?The good news is that the air quality has been actually very good to moderate,? he told CTV News Channel.

?It?s very much part of the dog days of summer, just a little longer than we sometimes see,? Phillips added.

CTV Atlantic meteorologist Cindy Day said closer to the weekend, the extreme temperatures and humidity will taper off as the high pressure system responsible for the heat moves westward and dry, cool air moves in.

South of the border, many U.S. states are also contending with intense heat, with some areas reaching to the high 30s with accompanying humidity.

At least one death in the U.S. is being blamed on high temperatures. An elderly man succumbed to heat exhaustion after wandering from his Kentucky home, officials said.

Source: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/scorching-temperatures-continue-in-central-eastern-canada-1.1371748

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