Ottawa is under a heat warning for Canada Day, with Environment Canada forecasting a humidex of up to 47, making the air feel like the mid-40s Celsius. The daytime high on July 1 is expected to reach 34 C, but humidity will push the perceived temperature to 46, according to the national weather forecaster.
Heat Warning Duration and Temperatures
The orange heat warning began July 1 and is expected to last through the weekend, with Wednesday and Thursday being the hottest days. Daytime highs will range from 31 C to 35 C, and overnight lows will only dip into the 20s, offering little relief. Environment Canada also warned of poorer air quality due to the humidity, and the UV index on Wednesday is 9, considered very high.
Cooling Centres and Safety Tips
To help residents cope, the city has opened several buildings as cooling centres. City Hall in downtown Ottawa will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Ben Franklin Place in Nepean from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Many recreation centres are also open, though some pools are closed, including those at Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex-Orléans, Canterbury Recreation Complex, and Plant Recreation Centre. Outdoor pools and splashpads will be open for the holiday. The National Capital Commission has multiple outdoor swimming docks, including two new docks on the Ottawa River—one at the East Wharf below Major’s Hill Park and another beneath the Museum of History on the Gatineau side.
Environment Canada advises watching for early signs of heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. “Stop your activity and drink water,” the agency warned. The city recommends drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, seeking shade, wearing sunscreen and light, loose-fitting clothing, and taking cool showers or baths.
Evening Thunderstorm Risk
In the evening, there is a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms, which could provide some temporary relief from the heat.
