'The most significant heat event of the last few years': weather office

This weekend kicks off one of the most significant heat events in several years. Blair Gable / Postmedia

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The heat is on.

The city of Ottawa is officially under a heat warning, issued by Environment Canada around 3:20 p.m. when temperatures reached 30 C (or 34 C with the humidex).

It’s the start of the “extreme heat event” that’s on the way with the first of a week’s worth of days topping 30 C.

“Current indications suggest that hot temperatures could continue through next week,” Environment Canada said Friday.

“This will be the most significant heat event of the past few years.”

The heat warning states that extreme heat affects everyone, although risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

People are cautioned to watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions and take necessary safety precautions, such as staying in cool, well-ventilated areas and drinking plenty of water.

It’s so hot and dry that Ottawa Fire Services implements a conditional burn ban Friday. Agricultural, brush piles and fire barrel burns are prohibited during this ban, even for properties with open-air fire permits.

“There will be zero tolerance enforcement during the fire ban,” the department warned, adding that while Canada Day campfires and fireworks are allowed with a permit, “we request that residents be extra vigilant and take additional safety precautions if lighting a campfire or using fireworks.”

Friday is mainly sunny with a high of 31 C, humidex making it feel like 35 and a UV index of 7 or high. The overnight low of 18 C is the lowest we’ll see for a while.

Saturday is a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of afternoon showers and the risk of a thunderstorm, a high of 33 C and a humidex equivalent of 41. There’s a 40 per cent chance of overnight showers and a low of 23 C.

Sunday’s forecast is sweltering with mixed skies, a high of 36 C. The overnight low is 23 C and there’s a 30 per cent chance of overnight showers.

Monday’s forecast is for mixed skies, a 30 per cent chance of showers day and night, a high of 36 C and a low of 22 C.

Tuesday and Wednesday are both sunny with highs of 35 C and lows of 21 C.

For Thursday, the forecast is for mixed skies, a 30 per cent chance of showers and high of 34 C.

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