Hot, humid conditions continue for much of Ontario; Ottawa under heat warning

Much of Ontario is sweltering under a heat wave this week, including the National Capital Region.

A heat warning remains in place for a large swath of the province as a “prolonged” stretch of hot, humid weather is forecast through at least Thursday.

Environment Canada issued the warning for an area that includes Ottawa and Toronto, stretching west to Windsor and as far north as Fort Albany.

The warning for Ottawa said daytime highs are forecasted to be between 30 and 34 C, with humidex values between 39 and 43. There will be little relief during the night with lows forecast between 20 and 23 C.

The weather agency said extreme heat can affect everyone’s health, with the risks even greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Environment Canada is asking people to watch for the effects of heat illness, which include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Also, never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.

The weather agency also advises you to drink plenty of water before you get thirsty, stay in the shade and take breaks somewhere cool when possible.

The City of Ottawa has several options for keeping cool, including splash pads, indoor swimming pools, parks and green spaces, Ottawa Public Library current branch services, community centres, wading pools, beaches and outdoor pools.

You can see an interactive map of places to cool off here.

Ottawa’s forecast:

• Today (Tuesday): A mix of sun and cloud. 30 percent chance of showers early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm. High 33. Humidex 42.
• Tuesday night: Clear. Low 22.
• Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers. High 32.
• Wednesday night: Cloudy periods. Low 23.
• Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 32.
• Thursday night: Cloudy periods. Low 20.
• Friday: Cloudy. High 28.
• Friday night: Cloudy. Low 17.
• Saturday: Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers. High 25.

With files from the Canadian Press