The heat wave is on: Set to hit 34 C Wednesday (2024)

Ottawa’s week-long heat wave began Monday, with temperatures reaching 30 C, and on Tuesday things got even hotter, with a daytime high of 32 C.

And what is to come Wednesday? Expect another climb of a couple degrees, with a forecast high of 34 C.

“A prolonged heat event continues through Thursday,” Environment Canada’s website stated Tuesday evening as a heat warning remained in effect for the national capital. “Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected.”

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The daytime temperature peaked at an even 32 C at 3 p.m. Tuesday (with a humidex of 43). They’re calling for Wednesday to be the hottest day of the week, with another humidex of 43 and a UV index 10, or very high.

Temperatures are supposed to gradually begin falling on Thursday, when the high is to be 31 C, followed by forecast highs of 28 C on Friday and 25 C on Saturday.

“Daytime highs through much of the week are expected to be 30 to 35 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 40 to 45,” it said on Environment Canada’s website. “There will be little relief through the overnight as lows are expected to be 18 to 23 degrees Celsius with humidex values of 26 to 30.”

It warned that extreme heat can affect anyone, but those most at risk are older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

It said to be sure to watch for signs of heat illness, including swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

“Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you or someone you are caring for has a high body temperature and are confused, has stopped sweating or becomes unconscious,” the news release stated. “While waiting for help, cool the person right away: move them to a cool place, apply cold water to large areas of the skin and fan the person as much as possible.”

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