Toronto reports 39 heat-related ER visits during week-long heat wave
Toronto heat wave drove 39 ER visits as humidex hit 48 across the city See how hospitals responded and why officials say the real toll may be higher
Toronto Public Health says local hospitals recorded 39 heatrelated emergency room visits between June 30 and July 4, when an orangelevel heat alert was in place.
The busiest day was July 2, at the height of the heat wave, when hospitals reported 15 visits. Officials said the temperature reached 36 C, with a humidex as high as 48.
Health officials noted that ER data likely understates the full impact of extreme heat because it does not include all cases in which hot weather worsens heart or lung conditions. A Toronto emergency physician said hospitals were busier than usual and urged people to prepare for heat waves the same way they would for other emergencies.
The city’s recent heat wave came during Canada Day and World Cup events, with extra cooling measures added at some public gatherings. Toronto Public Health said the pattern was similar to last summer’s heatrelated hospital visits, though direct comparisons are limited by changes in weather warnings and the length of the alerts.