Weather alert for Southern Ontario continues through Sunday evening
OTTAWA, Domenica 7 Luglio 2025 — Environment and Climate Change Canada has confirmed that the intense heat wave gripping Southern Ontario is expected to dissipate by late Sunday, as a cold front moves in from the west. The heat warning, in effect since Friday from Windsor to Peterborough, has brought temperatures into the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) and humidex values nearing 40°C (104°F).
According to meteorologist Kristina Kretchman, the incoming front will bring a significant shift, with rain showers, possible thunderstorms, and cooler air, finally putting an end to the suffocating conditions across much of the province.
Hot and humid weekend in Southern Ontario and Quebec
On Saturday, the humidex at Toronto Pearson International Airport climbed to 40°C (104°F) by midday, remaining in the high 30s°C (over 95°F) for much of the day. Despite the uncomfortable temperatures, no heat records were broken. Kretchman noted that while the heat was significant, historical records in Ontario remain well above this weekend’s highs.
Toronto Blue Jays responded to the oppressive heat by announcing that the roof at Rogers Centre would remain closed for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. Meanwhile, across the Greater Toronto Area, public swimming pools and cooling centres stayed open into the late evening, as many residents sought relief from the extreme conditions.
Communities finding relief where they can
In Aurora, Cheryl Clifford met a friend for lunch in Town Park, welcoming a rare breeze. “I’m glad for the breeze, that’s for sure,” she said, returning recently from Greenland, where temperatures stayed near 10°C (50°F) — a stark contrast to the scorching heat in Ontario.
Across the river in Southern Quebec, the Greater Montreal area was also under a heat warning paired with a severe thunderstorm watch. Humidex values in the region were also expected to climb toward 40°C (104°F), intensifying the weather discomfort on Sunday.
Severe storms possible with late-day cold front
Environment Canada warned of conditions favourable for severe thunderstorm development through the late afternoon and evening, with wind gusts reaching 100 km/h, accompanied by heavy rainfall and hail in localized areas. The public is advised to remain alert, as fast-moving storms may develop quickly along the cold front.
Though this weekend has been oppressively hot, it is not the first heat alert of the season. Just two weeks ago, record-breaking temperatures surged through much of Ontario, with Toronto Public Health logging 42 heat-related visits to emergency departments during that spell of extreme weather.
As Sunday progresses, all eyes will remain on the incoming front, with the promise of cooler, more stable air by Sunday night and into Monday across Southern Ontario.
