Humidex values set to soar to 44 today in GTA

Environment Canada is warning of extreme heat on Saturday, with a high well into the 30s and a humidex value of 40 or higher.

The Greater Toronto Area will see a midday high of 34 C, though it will feel more like 44 with the humidex.

"Extreme heat affects everyone," the national weather agency said, advisingthat risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

There's a 30 per cent chance of showers late this afternoon and a risk of thunderstorms.

The evening isn't expected to bring much relief. The overnight low will hover around 22 C, but it will still feel like over 30 throughout the night.

Torontoresponds to heat warning

Deborah Blackstone, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto, said in an email that the city has expanded itsheat relief strategy.

The strategy expands "access to cool spaces throughout the summer season at more than 300 locations across the city through a Heat Relief Networkrather than operating several occasional cooling centres that are open only on Heat Warning days and which may not have been geographically convenient for residents," the email reads.

Facilities that formerly served as cooling centres will be available as part of the heat relief network during regular operating hours.

The expanded network includes libraries, community centres, pools, some civic centres and city facilities, drop-ins and several private and non-profit organizations, such as shopping malls and YMCA locations.

Extra vigilance required

Police forces throughout the region reminded parents and guardians not to leave children in cars unattended, even in the shade with the windows rolled down.

Toronto paramedics Supt.Paul Roberts says to get help, go inside, drink water and use cooling packs if you start overheating, have trouble breathing, experience headaches, nausea or vomiting.

Meanwhile, the Ontario SPCAcalled on pet owners to take extra precautions over the next several days to keep their furry friends cool and safe.

If you have to be outside, Hobelman suggests doing so at cooler parts of the day.

"Try to schedule outdoor activities you might have to do early in the day or later in the evening if possible," she said.

Coolertemperatures and lower humidex values are forecast to arrive on Sunday.