Extreme heat across region to last until Wednesday
The weather agency's warnings were first issued Friday, before nighttime temperatures rose to meet daytime ones.
Ottawa's highs have been above 30 C since Thursday and are forecast to reach that level daily until Wednesday. The Ottawa international airport was at 29.9 C by 11 a.m. Monday.
Humidity made it feel like 41 at its peak there Sunday and is again forecast to feel like the low 40s on Monday and Tuesday, representing the peak of the hot stretch.
There'll be no break from the heat after sunset either, as actual and forecast overnight lows range from 19 to 22 C.
Daily heat records could be broken Monday in places such as Brockville, Gatineau, Kingston and Maniwaki.
The heat wave is expected to end with cooler temperatures and potentially some much-needed rain coming later Wednesday.
This is the fourth heat warning Environment Canada has issued for Ottawa this summer. The first in June had its hottest temperature of the year so far at 35.2 C and a humidex reaching 46.
Heat can affect everyone
Environment Canada warns that extreme heat can affect everyone's health and encourages anyone suffering from heat exhaustion to stop physical activities and drink water.
Red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness are possible signs of heat stroke, according to the agency.
Health Canada recommends staying cool and staying hydrated when extreme heat hits.
That can mean everything from drinking lots of water and rescheduling outdoor activities for cooler times to preparing meals that don't require ovens and keeping track of nearby air-conditioned spaces.
Anyone who feels they have heat stroke should call 911.
More resources may be available through your municipality. Ottawa, for example, has a map of public and other places to cool off.
New fire, restrictions
It's also been a very dry summer. The Ottawa international airport hasn't recorded more than a trace of rain since July 24, 18 days ago.
The National Capital Commission has joined the list of jurisdictions issuing fire bans with rule changes starting Monday for Gatineau and Lac Leamy parks until further notice.
Campfires and charcoal barbecues are not allowed under the ban.
There is a ban on open-air fires for all of Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake Park until further notice, campgrounds, picnic areas and beaches included: ❌ No campfires ❌ No charcoal BBQs ✅ Gas grills are allowed Details: https://t.co/JwDmSzWt6Q pic.twitter.com/pQNb7JM3rC —@NCC_GatPark
Fire risks are deemed high to extreme across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
A fire about 13 hectares in size in Marmora and Lake southwest of Bancroft is considered "not under control" by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources.
Three fire crews and a water bomber are battling the fire, according to the latest update from the township. It asks people to not fly drones in the area to avoid interfering with aircraft and for people to move off lakes if they see a water bomber.
Four of eastern Ontario's six conservation authorities have a low water alert in place. The most significant is in the Carp River watershed where there is a potentially serious low-water problem, according to the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.
Carp River flows are significantly below normal, it said, and some tributaries may be running dry. It asks people outside of Ottawa's municipal water network to cut water use by 20 per cent.
Its "moderate" low water alert is one category below severe on the four-level scale. The alert is in place until further notice.
There's currently a 30 to 40 per cent chance of showers in Ottawa Tuesday and Wednesday, then no precipitation forecast the rest of the week.
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