Latest heat wave nearing end, with chance of much-needed rain
The weather agency's heat warnings were first issued last 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. Its five straight days at or above 30 is a new high for the year and Sunday, Monday and Tuesday's highs ranged from 33.5 C to 35.1 C.
Humidity made it feel like 41 at its peak there Sunday and Monday and is again forecast to feel like the low 40s on Tuesday, representing the peak of the hot stretch.
There's little break from the heat after sunset either, as actual and forecast overnight lows range from 19 to 22 C.
Some daily heat records were set Sunday. Tuesday they could fall in places such as Gatineau, Kingston and Ottawa.
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 by a few tenths of a degree 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, 19 days ago.
The National Capital Commission joined the list of jurisdictions issuing fire bans with rule changes starting Monday for Gatineau and Lac Leamy parks until further notice.
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. The municipality said Monday afternoon it was "tentatively contained."
Four of eastern Ontario's six conservation authorities have a low water alert in place. The most significant are in the Carp River and South Nation watersheds, where people outside of Ottawa's municipal water network are being asked to cut water use by 20 per cent.
Their "moderate" low water alert is one category below severe on the four-level scale. The alerts are in place until further notice.
Ottawa gardeners take scorching hit as drought persists
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Ottawa is at the extreme low end of precipitation levels compared to the historical average, and the drought has been especially hard for urban gardeners who rely on rain to keep plants alive.
The Mississippi River watershed has moved to a minor alert, one step below moderate. People outside of Ottawa's network are asked to cut water use by 10 per cent.
There is rain in the forecast Tuesday and Wednesday, but its likelihood varies.
Ottawa has a 30 to 40 per cent chance, while Petawawa has a 60 per cent chance of overnight showers Tuesday into Wednesday and Maniwaki should have a few showers Wednesday morning.
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