Heat and football: a Friday to stay cool and get loud

Twenty degrees officially, but it'll feel like 27 by midday — and there's a heat warning in effect, so pace yourself. The UV's cranked to 9 (that's high), which means sunscreen isn't optional. You've got until 8:54 PM tonight, so if you're planning something outside, do it early or find yourself a cool spot.

There's been a significant police operation in South March if you live that way — roads have been closed, so check your usual route before you head out.

A couple of things worth knowing: Ottawa Police are moving forward with an AI facial recognition system, and meanwhile a Carleton researcher's building an AI platform to help local small businesses compete with Amazon. The Canada Day storms earlier this week flooded hundreds of homes and left people without power — if that was you, there are resources and updates worth tracking down.

For lunch, you've got some solid options if you're willing to explore. There are nine hidden lunch spots near Parliament Hill worth hunting down if you work on the Hill. If you're craving hand-pulled noodles, Le Mien Craft Noodle in the ByWard Market is doing serious bowls. Or if you're out toward Kanata, there are $8 Vietnamese sandwiches drawing foodies from all over the city — cheap and honest. Chiqui Bakery in Vanier just brought Mexico City's pan dulce to the neighborhood too, if pastry's calling you.

Tonight's the Redblacks against Saskatchewan's defending Grey Cup champions at TD Place — first pitch at 7:30 PM, and this team's hunting for its first win. It'll be inside and cool, which isn't nothing given the heat warning.

If football's not your scene, there's live music. Our Lady Peace are playing the Hard Rock Casino at 7:00 PM, or head to The 27 Club at 7:30 for Nora Kelly Band, Touch Grass, and Leeny Jones. That's a good dive-bar option to escape the heat with a crowd.

Take it easy out there today — drink water, check on neighbors if you've got them, and if you're heading anywhere, get there early or wait until the sun starts dropping. See you on the other side of the weekend.