OTTAWA -- Hot and humid weather is set to grip the national capital region for the next few days.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Ottawa, Gatineau and eastern Ontario.

In a statement, the weather agency says the hot and humid weather will continue this afternoon through Sunday, adding the “heat event is likely to persist into next week.”  Temperatures will range between 32C and 35C over the next four days, with overnight lows between 20C and 23C.

A severe thunderstorm warning, that was issued for parts of the Ottawa area just after 4 p.m. has ended, but the storm is continuing to move in a southeastward direction. Rolling severe thunderstorm warnings are being issued in areas south of the capital.

"At 5:20 PM, radar shows an area of intense thunderstorms over northern Lanark County with the strongest near Clayton and Middleville. Storms are forecast to move southeastward through much of Lanark County over the next couple of hours," Environment Canada said in its latest warning for the Smiths Falls - Perth - Lanark County area.

"There are signs of rotation in a storm to the northwest of Smiths Falls. There is a risk for a weak tornado to the west of Smiths Falls."

Severe thunderstorm watches are also coming to an end. The watch for Ottawa is over, though some watches remain in effect to the south of the city.

Environment Canada says, "Isolated thunderstorms are expected to move southeastward across the regions late this afternoon and this evening. Locally damaging winds gusts may be associated with one or two of these storms, along with hail and frequent cloud to ground lightning."

The storms are expected to be isolated, so Environment Canada says many places will not be affected.

Here is a look at the forecast for Ottawa:

Today: A mix of sun and cloud, with a 60 per cent chance of showers this afternoon and the risk of a thunderstorm. High 32C, with the humidex it will feel like 37 degrees.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a chance of showers this evening and after midnight. Low 20C.

Friday: Sunny. High 30C

Saturday: Sunny. High 30C

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers. High 30C

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers. High 31C

Staying cool during the heat wave

Ottawa Public Health offers tips to stay cool during the heat wave:

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoid heavy outdoor activity
  • Wear a hat, light and loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses when outside
  • Bring an umbrella and water when you leave home
  • Cool off in an air-conditioned space
  • Cool off in the shade or at a park or greenspace
  • Use a fan and mist your skin with water
  • Take cool baths and showers as often as needed
  • Keep your home cool by closing blinds and curtains on any windows facing the sun