‘Multi-day’ heat event begins as temperatures set to hit 35 C in Ottawa this weekend

Some of the world’s best street performers are in Ottawa for the annual Ottawa International Busker Fest. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

Officials are urging caution as another multi-day heat event is set to bake the nation’s capital this weekend.

Environment Canada issued a heat warning for Ottawa starting today, forecasting highs to be between 30 and 35 C with humidex values of 35 to 40 stretching into early next week.

Overnight lows won’t provide much relief as temperatures stay between 19 to 22 C.

Slightly cooler temperatures are expected by mid-week, bringing an end to the heat event, Environment Canada says.

The average daily high for this time of year is around 26 C, with lows around 15 C.

On Saturday, Morgan Patmore says she brought her kids to Mooney’s Bay beach because she knows they love the water as the hot weather stretches on.

But that also meant, as a parent, coming prepared.

“We brought our tent, our blankets, our cooler, floaty, sandcastle toys,” she said in an interview with CTV News Ottawa.

“We come here mostly every weekend, so I know what we need to bring.”

This is the latest in a string of heat warnings this summer. Patmore says it’s been important to get outside.

“We’re so fortunate here to have the access to the beach. And I just want to take advantage of that.”

The weather also has people heading inside businesses, looking for ways to cool off.

Krystal Rebertz, the store manager of Capital Home Hardware in the Glebe, says it’s been a busy summer for air conditioning sales.

“At least a 25 per cent increase, which is very good for this area specifically,” she said.

“It’s not really window AC units. It’s more of the portables. Surprisingly, we have some in stock right now but there’s another heat wave … so I’m sure they’re going to be gone."

Health Canada recommends staying cool and staying hydrated when extreme heat hits.

Watch for symptoms of heat stroke, including dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness.

Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should call 911.

Ottawa weather

A mix of sun and clouds Sunday. High 35 C with humidex levels expected to make it feel like 42.

Clear tonight. Low 20 C.

It will be a similar story on Monday with a high of 35 C and a humidex of 40.

Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 34 C. Some relief from the heat isn’t expected until Wednesday as the high reaches 30 C.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Kimberley Johnson

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