Scorching temperatures are slated to take over Ottawa in the upcoming weekend, with the mercury forecasted to peak at 35 degrees Celsius as part of a prolonged heatwave.
Heat Wave Hits Ottawa: Prepare for High Temperatures and Potential Storms
Ottawa is bracing for a multi-day heat event this weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C on Saturday, August 16. According to Environment Canada, humidex values will be between 37 and 42, indicating very high heat and humidity levels [1].
The heat wave is part of a broader pattern affecting Ontario and Quebec, with heat warnings issued due to prolonged high temperatures and humidex values of 35 to 40 [2]. Overnight lows remain warm, around 20 to 23°C, which can reduce nighttime relief from the heat [1].
Sunday, August 17, will see cooler temperatures with a high of 25°C and some chance of showers [1]. However, before the cooler weather arrives, Ottawa will experience temperatures between 30 and 35°C throughout the rest of the weekend [1].
Environment Canada advises taking health precautions such as drinking plenty of water regularly, even before feeling thirsty, to prevent dehydration. Closing blinds or shades during the day to reduce indoor heat, using air conditioning or fans, and moving to cooler areas in your home if possible are also recommended [2].
It's crucial to watch out for signs of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue) and heat stroke (red, hot skin, confusion, change in consciousness) [2]. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should call 911.
Additionally, there is a thunderstorm risk in the Ottawa Valley region around Saturday afternoon, possibly including damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rainfall due to an approaching cold front, which may provide some relief after the heat but also poses some risks [3].
The air quality for Ottawa at 11 a.m. Saturday was 4, or moderate. Hazy skies from wildfire smoke remain over Ottawa on Saturday [1].
Health Canada recommends staying cool and staying hydrated during extreme heat. Monday in Ottawa will have a high of 35°C, while Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 34°C [4]. Some relief from the heat isn't expected until Wednesday as the high in Ottawa reaches 28°C [5].
On Saturday night, the low temperature will be 21°C. Overnight lows in Ottawa during the heat event will be between 19 and 22°C [1]. Sunday in Ottawa will be mainly sunny with hazy skies in the afternoon. The high temperature will be 35°C, and humidex levels will make it feel like 42 [1].
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this heat event.
References: [1] Environment Canada [2] Environment Canada Heat Warning [3] Environment Canada Thunderstorm Risk [4] Environment Canada Forecast for Monday [5] Environment Canada Forecast for Wednesday
- The heat wave in Ottawa is also affecting Ontario and Quebec, as stated in Environment Canada's heat warnings, with high temperatures and humidex values, making for very high heat and humidity levels.
- In addition to coping with the heat, the upcoming storm risk in the Ottawa Valley region should be monitored due to potential damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rainfall from an approaching cold front.
- People should stay informed about climate-change-related events like heat waves, follow health precautions, and pay attention to signs of heat-related illnesses, as advised by both Environment Canada and Health Canada, in order to stay safe during extreme weather conditions.
