Heat Warning

As of Thursday, August 1:

A heat warning has been issued by Ottawa Public Health for the Ottawa area until further notice as Environment and Climate Change Canada expects the heat wave to continue. 

A heat warning is issued when forecast temperatures are expected to exceed 31°C during the daytime and the nighttime temperature will not be cooler than 20°C or a humidex of 40 C is forecast for more than three consecutive days.

During emergencies, you can act as a vital line for those who need assistance or important information. Stay connected with people in your community who have a difficult time coping with hot weather and those who live alone and check on them regularly. Contact your neighbours, friends and family members – especially those who are vulnerable – to see if they need assistance and update them with the latest information and instructions.

Check back here or the City's Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest information.

Tips to stay cool

Advice during hot weather:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably water, and limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. 
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity. 
• Limit or avoid direct exposure to the sun and wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF lip balm.   
• Dress in light and loose-fitting clothing. 
• Look for shade or a cool shelter in an air-conditioned location such as a shopping mall, library or community centre.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows open.
• Take frequent cool showers or baths.  If you cannot shower or bath easily, sponge often with cool wet towels. Focus on cooling the back of the neck, under the arms and groin area. Soak feet and hands in a basin of cool water.

Ottawa Public Health has more information on how to Beat the Heat which includes tips on how to stay cool at home.

Where to cool off

There are many City facilities and other locations in Ottawa where you can get out of the heat:

• Splashpads, wading pools and outdoor pools
• Beaches
• Public libraries
• Community centres
• Shopping malls

Visit Ottawa Public Health’s interactive map of places to cool off.

People experiencing homelessness

The City and its community partners ensure people experiencing homelessness have access to shelters, drop-in programs and outreach services during extreme weather. Residents can call 3-1-1 to alert the City to people experiencing homelessness who may need additional support.

High air-pollution and UV index levels often occur during hot weather conditions. People with breathing and heart problems, and parents and caregivers of children, should pay attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index available at airqualityontario.com. 

Check the UV index forecast daily at theweathernetwork.com, weather.gc.ca or in the local media. Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Call 2-1-1 for information on food banks, free meals, health care, and other social services; you can also get assistance through the 2-1-1 website; this is a provincial service 

• Call 3-1-1 for information on emergency housing and financial assistance; you can also get assistance through the 3-1-1 website; this is a City service 

• Call 9-1-1 for a life-threatening emergency, fire or crime in progress; to contact the Ottawa Police Service for non-emergencies call 613-236-1222.