Anyone noticed that screeching on the subway has become near unbearable lately?

TTC officials are blaming it on the heat. "This happens because of friction with the rails and the wheels and brakes as (the trains) make their turn," TTC spokesperson Jessica Martin told the Toronto Star. "With the recent humidity and the hot weather we've been having, it can cause the equipment to sweat, and that will compromise both the lubricant and the traction."

Automatic lubricators are installed at some spots along the rails, squirting lubricant to reduce friction at certain angles. All other track sections have to be manually lubricated (think Tin Man and his oil can) during walking inspections overnight.

Unsurprisingly, the screeching is reported to be the worst around the "U" at the bottom of the line.