Extreme heat prompts Toronto to cancel FIFA watch party at Nathan Phillips Square

The city has cancelled all World Cup screenings at Nathan Philips Square after Toronto Public Health issued an extreme heat warning.

Extreme heat has prompted the City of Toronto to cancel all FIFA World Cup match screenings at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday as Toronto Stadium gears up to host its last match of the tournament.

A heat warning, orange alert, remains in effect for the city amid an extended heat wave that began earlier this week.

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Environment Canada is calling for a high of 35 C on Thursday, feeling like closer to 44 with humidity.

“Due to Thursday’s extreme heat forecast and the resources required to safely manage large crowds at fan marches, Toronto Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival ^TM Toronto, all FIFA World Cup 2026, ^TM match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square have been cancelled for Thursday, July 2," the city said in a news release.

“Toronto’s police, fire and paramedics along with partners from York, Durham, Peel, Ottawa, OPP and the RCMP are supporting Thursday’s activation. The safety of all attendees, staff and volunteers through all event activations remains our top priority.”

The FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York will open at 1:30 p.m. for those with tickets, the city confirmed.

“Enhanced heat relief measures will be available on-site, including misting stations, a shaded cooling area near Fort York, free drinking water trailers and on-site medical and first aid staff,” the statement noted.

Heat has been ‘intense’

CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said Toronto is seeing “some of the hottest air we’ve seen in years,” a trend that could break records.

“It took a while, but the summer sizzle roared in this week,” he said. “And it’s been intense.”

He said the humidity isn’t expected to let up until the weekend.

The national weather agency says Friday will see a high of 33 C, feeling like 42 with the humidity.

“Because the excessive heat and humidity act as potential energy and fuel for the development of storms, there is the risk almost every day through Saturday of seeing local showers or storms,” Coulter said.

“Today the risk will come in the late afternoon and evening. The models are showing the best risk is over the west GTA and southwestern Ontario. Watch for heavy downpours and frequent lighting for Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and Niagara.”

Daytime highs are expected to remain above 30 C on Saturday and Sunday but it feel like a bit of a reprieve as humidex values will fall.