Temperature warnings are ringing loud and clear for Ottawa, as the thermometer is slated to tap unforeseen midsummer peaks in the forthcoming days.
Ottawa’s weather outlook, provided by Environment Canada, predicts a crescendo of heat, with temperatures reaching between a sweltering 30 to 33 degrees Celsius in the week to come. This follows an August notable for its cooler temperatures, marking the first time in more than ten years that not a single day breached the 29-degree threshold.
Adding to the severity of the coming heatwave are potential humidex values which might hit a staggering 40 on the scale. This, warns Environment Canada, embodies a potent threat.
Starting from Sunday, the region is set to fall under the blanket of a scorching airmass which will linger until Wednesday. Factors such as lower than usual overnight temperatures in certain areas barely dilute the intensity, as the heat index and daytime peaks are significantly uncommon for the early days of September, states the issued warning.
The week’s weather rundown reveals a sunny Sunday, which exhibits highs of 30 degrees and a humidex value of 37. Labor Day Monday follows all too closely, with the mercury poised to climb to an uncomfortable 31 degrees. The real wallop comes Tuesday, when the temperature square-off is expected to culminate at a blistering 33 degrees. This happens to coincide with the return of tens of thousands of Ottawa students to their academic institutions, adding another layer of concern to the scenario.
The severity of the heatwave is further compounded by the fact that city beaches are currently without the watchful eyes of lifeguards.
Night-time lows, offering slight respite from the daytime blaze, are expected to range between a relatively mild 16 to 21 degrees over the course of this intense period.
The city’s residents can expect relief by mid-week, as Environment Canada forecasts the passage of a cold front which will curtain off the heat on Wednesday. Thursday heralds a short reprieve with forecast highs teetering at a comparatively cooler 29 degrees Celsius.
