Could feel like 43 today in Ottawa amid another heat wave

Scorching, humid weather is in the nation’s capital once again this week after another multi-day heat warning was issued.

Environment Canada is continuing to warn people to seek shade and to drink lots of water because temperatures are increasing in Ottawa and across most of southern Ontario.

Monday’s temperatures could reach 35 C, but it will feel like 43 with the humidity. It has been the third day since the weather agency issued the warning. There has been no relief as temperatures overnight have been hovering around 20 C.

Tuesday brings similar temperatures with a high of 35 C expected, feeling like 41. However, the forecast does show that a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon will reduce temperatures as a front moves through the region.

By Tuesday evening, temperatures should start dropping and by Wednesday night it will be around 16 C.

“A cooler air mass is expected to arrive Tuesday night, bringing an end to this heat event,” Environment Canada notes.

Dry conditions impacting the environment

The latest stretch of stifling heat is concerning for officials across Ontario, as firefighters battle an out-of-control wildfire in the Peterborough cottage area.

The city of Kawartha Lakes, Ont. says fire crews are continuing to battle what is described as a significant forest fire in the Burnt River area. Officials say about 27 hectares or a little more than one-quarter of a square kilometre of forest is still burning in the community as of Monday.

The city says crews are making progress but hot and dry conditions persist, and the potential for wind could worsen the situation.

The dry conditions in the last several weeks prompted the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) to ask some rural homeowners and businesses to lower their water usage.

The organization issued a release on July 30, noting how little rainfall the city has seen in the last couple of months. This, compounded with high temperatures, has lowered waterways within the capital region below usual.

RVCA is urging those who have permits for taking water from the surface or groundwater sources to reduce consumption. The notice does not impact the people who rely on the Ottawa River for water, which is most of the urban homes and businesses in the nation’s capital.