Heat wave expected to end Thursday
Ottawa now has a burn ban in effect
The heat warnings issued last Friday for the Ottawa-Gatineau region should all be over by Thursday night, according to Environment Canada.
A heat warning now covers nearly all of eastern Ontario, with the exception of western communities such as Deep River and Bancroft. Daytime highs are forecast to be in the low 30s and overnight lows in the low 20s, plus humidity.
There's also a heat warning with similar temperatures for the southern Outaouais, including Fort-Coulonge, Gatineau, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge and Kazabazua.
Wednesday could be the hottest day for Ottawa of the heat wave by a small margin, with a projected daytime high of 33 C feeling as hot as 41 with humidity. Ottawa topped 32 C on Saturday, with its humidex getting into the low 40s on Saturday and Sunday.
Ottawa Fire Services issued a burn ban Tuesday morning. The ban includes those with permits for certain open air fires, such as agricultural burns.
Western Quebec's heat warning is just a titch cooler and is forecast to end overnight Wednesday into Thursday, though Thursday should still be quite warm and humid,
More seasonal highs in the upper 20s are forecast for the rest of the week.
Local special air quality statements because of wildfire smoke from the west Monday and Tuesday have all ended.
Staying safe
Amid poor air quality and extreme heat, Health Canada and Environment Canada recommend staying indoors, if possible, when the weather is at its worst.
Certain people may be more vulnerable to these weather events, like the very young or very old, pregnant people, and those with underlying health issues.
If you are outside in the heat, Health Canada recommends staying cool and staying hydrated. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion — like a headache, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat — and get to a cool place where you can drink water.
Heat stroke, which includes confusion and very hot or red skin, is a medical emergency requiring a 911 call.
WATCH | Advice for extreme heat:
More resources may be available through your municipality. Ottawa, for example, has a map of public and other places to cool off and Russell to its east is opening cooling centres sTuesday through Thursday.