How to avoid getting heat stroke, even without A/C

Toronto, get ready for your first heat wave of the year.

- ANDY TAKAGI

With highs of 35 C (and humidex up to 45 C) and nighttime lows of 20 to 23 C, Environment Canada is warning of "excruciating" weather.

In preparation for the impending heat wave, hours at seven pools have been extended, air conditioning and cooling will be provided at roughly 600 facilities across the city and most TTC vehicles will have air conditioning.

Heat-related illnesses can especially affect vulnerable populations, Dr. Samantha Green, a family physician with Unity Health Toronto, explained.

"The greatest risk is remaining inside, in a hot and non-cooled indoor environment," she said, adding that people should check in on their friends, family and neighbours, especially isolated seniors.

Here's what to look out for during this week's heat wave, and how to stay cool.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke, which has a 50 per cent mortality rate, Green said meaning half of people who have a heat stroke die.