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Currently in Toronto — September 7th, 2022

By Anwar Knight —
A mix of sun and cloud kind of day

The weather, currently.

A ridge of high pressure has helped keep a major storm system south of our region. Part of the US north East has already received over 225mm (9" of rain). For the most part, we will only see some clouds from the leading edge of the system.

Wednesday morning will start out under variable skies. It should remain dry for us with just a risk of a quick sprinkle in the extreme western edge of the GTA. The wake-up temperature will be around 17°C. That ridge will continue to keep the energy south of us. A mix of sun and cloud overall for the remainder of the day with a high of 25°C, feeling just a little warmer with the humidex.  

The kids can wear shorts for school. The wind will be light from the east and UV index will be 7 or high.

Wednesday night:  scattered clouds with a low of 15°C.

—Anwar Knight

What you need to know, currently.

A historic late season heatwave in California could lead to black outs across the state as electricity demand skyrockets. According to the California Independent System Operator, which manages the majority of the states electricity, demand could break all time records Tuesday afternoon.

On Monday, highs across the state surpasses 100°F in the Bay Area. The national weather service issued an excessive heat warning that is expected to last through Thursday, with highs up to 116°F. In order to avoid rolling blackouts similar to the devastating ones from 2020, state officials are calling on residents to reduce the use of electricity and to keep air conditions at 78°F or higher.

For those experiencing extreme heat, Currently’s managing editor, Zaria Howell, gathered advice from our team of climate writers and meteorologists –– Renée Reizman out of Los Angeles, John Morales out of Southern Florida and Puerto Rico and Emilio Rey out of Spain –– on how to best prepare for and defend oneself against extreme heat, as the suffocating temperatures continue to increase.

The article names a list of important ways to combat things like heat exhaustion or stroke amidst extreme weather. First, it’s important to stay inside during the central hours of the day and wait out the heat’s peak. Taking frequent, cold showers, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing can also help.

Read the full Explainer on our website: Currently Explains: Extreme Heat

Ford Government Sued For Weak Climate Action

Next week, seven young Ontarian's will be heading to Ontario’s Superior Court in what could be a crucial moment in the fight against the climate emergency in Canada. Backed by Ecojustice — Canada's largest environmental law charity —  the legal action is against the Government of Ontario for weakening its climate targets, fearing it will lead to widespread illness and death, violating Ontarians’ Charter-protected rights to life, liberty, and security of the person.

The case is the first of its kind in Canada and will begin on Monday, September 12th, 2022.  

“I’m taking the Ford government to court to fight for the Earth, for nature, and for animals. This is the only planet we have and it’s home to the only known life in the universe. "The government needs to take action now," says 14-year-old Zoe Keary-Matzner.

The plaintiffs range in age from 14-27 years old and come from communities all across Ontario. Within weeks of launching the case, the Ontario government filed a motion to strike to try and stop it before it went to court,  but the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the case should proceed.

The Ford government passed the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act in 2018. The Act repealed what were considered to be relatively strong greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2020, 2030, and 2050. The government then replaced these targets with a single, significantly weaker 2030 target.

By weakening the province’s targets, the Government of Ontario will allow significantly more greenhouse gas emissions to be emitted, further fueling the climate emergency and contributing to dangerous climate change-related impacts such as heatwaves, floods, fires, and poor air quality that will harm the health of people throughout Ontario.

This Sunday, September 11 at 2 pm, Ecojustice is hosting ahead of the official proceedings a "Youth Climate Day of Action" rally at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
Members of the public are invited to stand in solidarity and support #GenClimateAction.

Full details here.

What you can do, currently.

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