We’d like to clear up some confusion regarding the ongoing heatwave across Ontario and much of the Eastern United States and Canada. Some have taken issue with the use of red in temperature maps, claiming it’s intentionally done to instil fear in the public and push an agenda based on what is 'normal summer weather.' A few points on this: - It isn’t summer yet—the summer solstice doesn’t occur until this Thursday, so we are still technically in late spring. - The average high temperature for this time of year in Ontario is around 23 to 25°C. This means the current temperatures are approximately 10°C or more above average. This is certainly not 'normal' for this time of year. - Extreme heat can pose a serious threat to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the unhoused, and people with certain medical conditions—not to mention our furry friends. The risk of heat stroke increases significantly as temperatures rise above 30°C. Heat events frequently cause deaths, including over 600 people in British Columbia in 2021. - The hottest temperature ever recorded in Ontario was 42.2°C in Fort Frances on July 13, 1936. Meaning that we are only a few degrees below the all-time heat record in Ontario. - We use a straightforward colour scale with colder colours (dark blue, blue, green, etc.) for colder temperatures and warmer colours (yellow, orange, red, light purple) for warmer temperatures. Since we are seeing temperatures in the mid-30s, it makes sense that our map would use dark reds, as it doesn’t get much warmer than that. Our only agenda is to accurately and clearly report on the weather. Manipulating the colour scale to keep a group of people happy would itself be pushing an agenda by intentionally downplaying this heatwave, which goes against our values as a weather organization firmly rooted in science. At the end of the day, you can interpret the data however you like. You know yourself and your family best. If you don’t feel that these temperatures are 'extreme,' you are welcome to ignore it and keep scrolling. We are here to provide information and help keep people informed about significant weather. - Brennen