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Ottawa’s week-long “event” began Monday, with temperatures reaching 30 C, and things are only expected to get hotter in the coming days.
“A prolonged heat event will begin today,” Environment Canada said in a news release Monday as a heat warning for the Ottawa area remained in effect. “Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected through most of the week.”
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The daytime temperature peaked at 30.2 C at 5 p.m. Monday (with a humidex of 39), but the Tuesday forecast is calling for a high of 34 C, with the humidex reaching 43 and a UV index of 10, or very high. It’s expected to reach 32 C on Wednesday and 31 C on Thursday before gradually cooling off a bit heading into the weekend.
“Daytime highs through much of the week are expected to be 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45,” it said on Environment Canada’s website. “There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 18 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30.”
It warned that extreme heat can affect anyone, but those most at risk are older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.
It said to be sure to watch for signs of heat illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
“Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you or someone you are caring for has a high body temperature and are confused, has stopped sweating or becomes unconscious,” the news release stated. “While waiting for help, cool the person right away: move them to a cool place, apply cold water to large areas of the skin and fan the person as much as possible.”
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