Ottawa is bracing for another brutal blast of summer heat, with the humidex expected to make it feel like a sweltering 39 degrees today, according to CTV News. For anyone stepping outside in the capital this afternoon, the combination of high temperatures and humidity means the air will feel noticeably hotter and more oppressive than the actual thermometer reading suggests.
What the Humidex Actually Means
The humidex is a measurement used by Canadian meteorologists to describe how hot the weather feels to the average person when humidity is factored in alongside temperature. A humidex reading of 39 is firmly in territory that Environment Canada typically flags as uncomfortable, and it's the kind of number that makes a walk to the corner store or a wait at an LRT platform feel far more draining than usual. For Ottawa, a city known for its humid summer air thanks to its river valley location, days like this are a familiar — if unwelcome — seasonal reality.
Staying Safe in the Heat
When the humidex climbs this high, health officials generally recommend a few common-sense precautions: staying hydrated throughout the day, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, seeking out air-conditioned spaces when possible, and checking in on elderly neighbours or those without reliable access to cooling. Ottawa Public Health has previously pointed residents toward the city's network of cooling centres and splash pads as options for beating the heat without cranking the AC bill.
An Ottawa Summer Staple
Humid, hazy days like this one are practically a rite of passage for anyone who's spent a summer in the capital. Between the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River, and the Gatineau Hills nearby, the region's geography tends to trap moisture in the air, which is exactly why humidex warnings pop up so regularly here compared to drier parts of the country. Whether you're heading out for a paddle on the canal, catching some shade in Major's Hill Park, or just trying to get through a shift downtown, today is a good day to plan around the heat rather than fight through it.
Locals heading out are encouraged to pack water, wear light clothing, and keep an eye on how they and those around them are handling the conditions as the humidex peaks later in the day.
Source: CTV News
