Precautions needed for cyclists this weekend during first heat wave of 2021
Conditions may become quite uncomfortable for some this weekend, so it's best to offset cycling times off of peak daytime heating.
A rare, early-season six day heatwave begins this weekend, so bring plenty of water, ample sunscreen, and shift rides to off peak hours as a necessity to keep cool. There'll be a decent southwest wind at times, gusting as high as 50 km/h through Saturday and Sunday. We'll also welcome Allen Road to the suite of #ActiveTO road openers for cyclists on June 5th, and 6th.
FRIDAY
Brief bit of clouds early Friday, then clearing skies until a thunderstorm risk
There’s a hack to avoid the heat - a southerly lake breeze up of 15-30 km/h picks up Friday afternoon, giving relief to the downtown core
Temperatures warmer in the southwest GTA, near 28°C for Mississauga, Milton, and Brampton
Risk of thunderstorms developing along lake-breeze boundaries, near Hamilton and northern GTA regions through early evening - heavy downpour possible!
SATURDAY
A southwest wind of 25-40 km/h set to dominate the day, but conditions becoming quite uncomfortable for some - best to offset cycling times off of peak daytime heating
Temperatures mid-20’s right down by the water and 30-32°C just a few km inland - for those seeking cooler temperatures, ride out in the eastern GTA towards Pickering (more free lakebreeze air-conditioning there)
Slightest risk of a pop-up shower or t-storm, but well worth the risk to ride, if you’re prepared for the warmth - it’s a minimum 2 bidon day
SUNDAY
Dew points pushing into the upper teens, so quite sticky - your body isn’t effectively able to evaporate sweat
Similar wind setup, southwest gusting up to 30 km/h, cooling shoreline communities in eastern GTA, while inland and west cook into the low 30’s
Ridge looks to be quite stable, so low-to-no risk of a pop-up thunderstorm
ACTIVE TO UPDATES (CITY OF TORONTO)
This weekend’s ActiveTO locations include:
Allen Road (northbound lanes only), between Eglinton Avenue West and Lawrence Avenue on Saturday, June 5 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (access and exit from Lawrence Avenue and Allen Road only)
The only way to enter and exit the Allen Road ActiveTO route is via the northbound off-ramp at Lawrence Avenue. Due to on-going construction, there will be no access from Eglinton Avenue West onto Allen Road. For those planning to use the route, please travel to it by bike, as a pedestrian or by using public transit (Lawrence Avenue subway is steps from the ramp)
Lake Shore Boulevard East (eastbound lanes only), between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue, on Saturday, June 5 at 6 a.m. until Sunday, June 6 at 9 p.m.
Roads in High Park are closed to vehicles on weekends as part of ActiveTO. Vehicle access is restricted starting Friday at approximately 11 p.m. until Monday at approximately 7 a.m.
Bayview on-street multi-use trail, between Mill Street and Rosedale Valley Road, is separated from vehicles and available for pedestrians and people riding bikes
RIDING TIP OF THE WEEKEND: THE BICYCLE SIGNAL
Cyclists must signal to change lanes, turn or stop
Signal in advance of the biking maneuver, to communicate to other road users
Only signal when you’re riding in a straight line, for optimum control