Heat warning, storm risk hit Ottawa on Canada Day
Environment Canada forecasts humidex near 46°C and severe weather including possible tornadoes today.
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Ottawa is sweltering through Canada Day under an orange heat warning with a significant risk of severe thunderstorms.
Environment Canada is forecasting a humidex near 46°C with a high of 34°C on Wednesday, July 1, with humidity so intense it will feel much hotter. The agency also issued a level 3/4 high risk for severe weather today, warning of straight-line wind gusts of 90–110 km/h, hail up to 4 cm, rainfall of 30–50 mm, and a possible tornado or two.
The UV index is very high at 9. An evening 40 per cent chance of showers and thunderstorms is also possible. Environment Canada urged residents to watch for early signs of heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. The advice is to stop activity and drink water.
The city opened cooling centres to help residents escape the heat. City Hall is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Ben Franklin Place in Nepean is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Several recreation centres are also open, though not all pools — check ottawa.ca for hours. All outdoor pools and splash pads are open. The National Capital Commission has added two new outdoor swimming docks on the Ottawa River, one at the East Wharf below Major's Hill Park and another beneath the Museum of History on the Gatineau side.
The city recommends drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and wearing sunscreen and light, loose-fitting clothing. Frequent cool showers, wet towels, or soaking feet in cool water can help.
