Extreme heat expected to ease Wednesday
Highs Tuesday in the mid-30s, humidex feeling like the 40s
Dangerously hot weather is expected to start easing Wednesday in eastern Ontario and western Quebec after another day of record-breaking high temperatures.
Heat warnings remain Tuesday for all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
Tuesday's forecasted highs are:
- 34 C in Ottawa with humidity peaking at 43.
- 33 C in Gatineau and Maniwaki with humidity peaking at 41.
- 32 C in Kingston and Trenton with humidity peaking at 41.
- 31 in Petawawa with humidity peaking at 36.
So far, according to preliminary data, places such as Gatineau, Kemptville, Kingston and Trenton have broken daily heat records for June 24. For Trenton, it's its third such record in a row.
It felt like 41 with humidity in Ottawa at 10 a.m.
There is also the chance of showers Tuesday afternoon with a risk of a thunderstorm.
Communities including Ottawa, Gatineau, Maniwaki and Trenton set daily heat records Monday.
Gatineau had the hottest temperature in Canada early Monday afternoon, according to Environment Canada. It eventually reached 36.6 C.
Ottawa's humidex reached 46 for a few hours on Monday. It has reached 47 just twice this century.
WATCH | Safety tips in extreme heat:
Health agencies advise people to alter their routines to stay safe in this dangerous heat, and Health Canada recommends staying cool and 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.
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.
Gatineau is keeping its Guy-Sanche and Lucien-Lalonde libraries open Tuesday so people can take advantage of the AC. They would normally be closed for St-Jean-Baptiste.
People are asked to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and other vulnerable residents.
Humidity to drop Wednesday
Tuesday night's forecasted low in Ottawa is 20 C.
The humidity may break overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Wednesday's high is expected to hit 28 C.
Temperatures the rest of the week should peak in the low 20s in the capital with a chance of showers.
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 heat waves in today's climate and the cooler pre-industrial one.