The peak of the heatwave in Ottawa is expected today

Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley joins us to discuss how the Mission is responding to the ongoing extreme heat event in our city.

The forecast for Thursday calls for a return to oppressively muggy weather, with an orange-level heat warning remaining 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.

This comes as Ottawa is 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.

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, it already felt like 33 degrees with the humidex in Ottawa.

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 3-1-1. If you suspect they’re in danger, call 9-1-1.

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 9-1-1.”

Forecast

Environment Canada’s weather forecast for Ottawa calls for a mix of sun and cloud on Thursday, a 40 per cent chance of showers early in the morning and in afternoon, with the risk of a High 35 C. Humidex 46. UV index 9 or very high.

The evening is looking partly cloudy with 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 could see a mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 30 C.

Sunday’s outlook includes a mix of sun and cloud. High 29 C.

Monday sees a mix of sun and cloud. High 29 C.

Tuesday is cloudy. High 31 C.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App