Extreme heat wave expected to peak with record-breaking Monday
Ottawa was feeling like the mid-40s before noon
Monday is forecast to be the hottest day of an extreme, dangerous heat wave for the Ottawa-Gatineau area, with temperatures in the mid-30s and humidity making it feel like the mid-40s.
Heat warnings remain Monday and Tuesday for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
The forecasted highs for some major local hubs are:
- 36 C in Ottawa and Gatineau, with humidity peaking at 44.
- 34 C in Maniwaki, with humidity peaking at 44.
- 34 C in Pembroke, with humidity peaking at 42.
- 33 C in Trenton, with humidity peaking at 44.
- 32 C in Kingston, with humidity peaking at 43.
According to preliminary Environment Canada data, communities such as Ottawa, Gatineau, Kemptville and Trenton have set daily records.
Gatineau had the hottest temperature in Canada early Monday afternoon, according to the agency. Its airport was at 35.4 C at 2 p.m.
Ottawa topped out just under 30 C Sunday, with humidity making it feel like 37 at its hottest in late afternoon.
It felt like 40 with the humidity there by 9 a.m. Monday.
By 11 a.m. Monday its humidex was at 45, passing the forecasted peak and nearing Ottawa's all-time humidex record of 47.
WATCH | Safety tips in extreme heat:
Health agencies say people are likely going to have to change their routines to stay safe in this dangerous heat.
Health Canada recommends staying cool and staying hydrated when extreme heat hits.
That can mean everything from drinking lots of water and planning outdoor activities for cooler times, to preparing meals that don't require ovens and keeping nearby air-conditioned spaces in mind if needed.
This is true for yourself and for vulnerable people you know.
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.
More resources may be available through your municipality. Ottawa, for example, has a map of public and other places to cool off. That city is also sending firefighters to check air conditioning and turning lane swims into public swims at city pools.
🌡️The humidex shows how hot it feels with heat and humidity. <br><br>🥵When sweat can’t evaporate, we overheat faster. <br><br>✅Stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ONWx?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ONWx</a> <a href="https://t.co/UlTaB9cV0N">pic.twitter.com/UlTaB9cV0N</a>
—@ECCCWeatherONMonday night's forecasted low is 25 C, which is the capital's typical high for this time of year. Humidity may persist through the night.
Tuesday's high is expected to be 34 C in Ottawa, which could again break a record. It could feel as hot as 43 with humidity. That night's low is expected to be 18 C without an idea yet of how much humidity will be a factor.
Wednesday should again reach 30 C in Ottawa, according to Environment Canada. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are expected to max out in the low 20s with a chance of showers.
New Ottawa fire ban
Some changes are also being made in the name of safety, such as the Western Québec School Board cancelling classes Monday.
Ottawa is now under an open air fire ban.
Research shows heat waves are becoming increasingly extreme as the climate warms.
Environment Canada has started analyzing weather data and climate model simulations to compare how heat waves have changed between today's climate and the cooler pre-industrial one.