Pearson Airport in Mississauga breaks 78-year-old temperature record

Soaring temperatures in Mississauga and Brampton broke a decades-old temperature record on Tuesday.

Environment Canada recorded a high of 32.2°C at Mississauga’s Pearson International Airport at 3:00 p.m. on May 31, breaking the previous daily record of 31.1°C set back in 1944.

With the humidity, the temperature felt more like 36°C even into the afternoon following a heat warning issued for Mississauga, Brampton and much of southern Ontario.

The special weather statement is in effect for Burlington, Oakville, Caledon, Hamilton, Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga and Brampton.

In contrast, the lowest ever temperature for May 31 at Pearson airport was just 1.6°C set in 1997, according to Environment Canada.

RELATED: Heat Warning in effect for Mississauga and Brampton

Thankfully the record-setting high is expected to be followed by cooler air on Wednesday.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.