Ottawa is still drying out from a record-breaking rainfall on Canada Day, but the stormy weather may not be over.
A yellow-level severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Ottawa just before 11 a.m., with Environment Canada saying that conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
“Thunderstorms may develop over the area. Strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain are the main threats. There is also a risk of tornadoes,” the weather advisory says.
A potential storm could bring wind gusts near 100 km/h, heavy rain possibly exceeding 40 mm, and up to ping pong ball sized hail.
Environment Canada is forecasting a risk of thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday.
This comes as Ottawa cleans up from a record-breaking rainfall on Canada Day that cancelled festivities, flooded streets and basements, and knocked out power to tens of thousands of people, with 118 millimetres of rain recorded at the airport.
The weather in Ottawa on Thursday is similar to what was seen on Wednesday prior to storms developing, with sweltering heat and high humidity. An orange-level heat warning also remains in effect.
“The hottest conditions are expected to continue into Thursday, with maximum temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius expected. Minimum temperatures of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius will provide little relief from the heat,” Environment Canada says.
A temperature of 29 C was recorded in Ottawa at noon Thursday, with a humidex of 40.
The orange level on Environment Canada’s colour-coded scale refers to weather that is likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts. Environment Canada is advising residents to take steps to protect themselves from the heat.
- Limit exposure to the sun and heat
- Wear lightweight and light-coloured clothes
- Close blinds and shades, and open windows if it is cooler outside than inside
- Turn on air conditioning and use fans
- Move to cooler areas of your living space
- If there are no cool areas in your living space, move to a cool public place like a pool, cooling centre, community centre or library
- Drink water before you feel thirsty to replace fluids
Ottawa Mission reaching out to homeless residents
Extreme heat is putting homeless residents at risk.
Peter Tilley, CEO of the Ottawa Mission, told CTV Your Morning Ottawa on Thursday that frontline staff will be on the streets Thursday, keeping an eye on the most vulnerable.
“Our frontline staff are regularly doing rounds, handing out water, ensuring people are staying hydrated. Even if someone’s not staying at the Ottawa Mission, we’re inviting people in the area. You can come inside where there’s air conditioning, just get out of the heat, even for an hour,” he said, adding other volunteer groups will be doing the same.
Tilley said dehydration is a significant risk for people living on the street.
“We’re looking for risks of exposure because we’ve had a couple of hot days, but not a spell like this, where somebody’s going to be hit day after day, maybe exposed to the elements, and certainly dehydrated within an hour in weather like this.”
If you see someone who needs help, you can call 311. If you suspect they’re in danger, call 911.
Tilley also said a simple “are you okay?” can go a long way.
“I’d be careful advising someone to approach someone who’s in a volatile situation, but most people who are under the influence of drugs or have mental health issues are just struggling, and maybe just a quick word, ‘Are you okay?’” he said.
“I had to do that. I found a woman passed out in the parking lot the other day, and she soon got up and revived and moved on, but just, ‘Are you okay?’ And if not, call 911.”
Forecast
Environment Canada’s weather forecast for Ottawa calls for a mainly cloudy sky on Thursday, a 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon, with the risk of a High 35 C. Humidex 46. UV index 9 or very high.
The evening is looking partly cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm, then clear overnight. Low 22 C.
Friday’s forecast is sunny in the morning and early in the afternoon then a mix of sun and cloud with 40 per cent chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm. High 33 C. Humidex 41. UV index 9 or very high.
Saturday forecast is sunny. High 27 C.
Sunday’s outlook includes a mix of sun and cloud. High 27 C.
Monday sees a mix of sun and cloud. High 28 C.
Tuesday’s forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud. High 29 C.
