Severe thunderstorm watch, heat warning in effect for Ottawa-Gatineau

CTV News

4 days ago

A person wears flip flops as they ride their bike through a puddle in the Byward Market as rain falls in Ottawa, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Environment Canada is advising of the possibility of severe thunderstorms as extreme heat continues to bake the nation's capital Sunday.
The national weather forecaster issued a severe thunderstorm watch this morning for Ottawa and Gatineau about a line of thunderstorms possibly developing over the region this afternoon and early this evening.
Hazards could include wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, heavy downpours and toonie sized hail. Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings and overturn vehicles, Environment Canada says.
The watch includes most of eastern Ontario but excludes parts of the Ottawa Valley, including Pembroke and Petawawa.
A heat warning issued on Friday remains in place as a prolonged period of extremely hot and humid conditions continues.
Daytime highs are expected to reach 31 C in Ottawa on Sunday, but humidex levels could make it feel like 40. The heat is expected to ease somewhat Monday with hotter and more humid conditions returning on Tuesday.
The sweltering conditions are forecasted to dissipate on Thursday.
Environment Canada recommends taking action to protect yourself and others from the heat, especially those who are at greater risk of heat illness.
Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
Call 911 if anyone is showing signs of heat stroke.
The City of Ottawa has a map showing places where residents can cool off.
Ottawa weather
A mix of sun and clouds Sunday with a 30 per cent chance of showers changing to a 70 per cent chance of showers this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon.
High 31 C. Humidex 40.
Tonight will be mainly cloudy with a 70 per cent chance of showers changing to a 30 per cent chance near midnight. Risk of a thunderstorm this evening and overnight.
Monday will be sunny with a high of 30 C which could feel like 37 with the humidity. The evening will be clear with a low of 19 C.
Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 33 C.
Wednesday will be cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 33 C.
The early weekend outlook shows a break from the extreme heat with highs in the mid-20s.