Hottest June 2 in Ottawa history, with relief on the way this weekend
It has been the hottest start to June in Ottawa history, with two straight days of record-breaking warm temperatures.
The temperature hit 32.1 C at 2 p.m. on Friday, setting a record for the hottest June 2 in Ottawa history. The previous record was 30.4 C, set back in 2014.
A heat warning remains in effect for the city of Ottawa, but Environment Canada says relief from the heat is expected this weekend.
"Daytime high temperatures are expected to be above 30 degrees Celsius again today. Minimum temperatures tonight will drop below warning criteria into the mid teens, bringing relief from the heat," Environment Canada said in a statement.
"Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category."
The weekend forecast calls for highs of 23 C on Saturday and Sunday.
Environment Canada has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Ottawa, saying "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms" this afternoon and evening.
The hot weather continues after Ottawa set a new temperature record for June 1. According to Environment Canada, the temperature warmed up to 35.1 C Thursday afternoon. The old record was 29.6 C, set back in 2011.
Ottawa Public Health warns early season heat waves can be dangerous.
"Remember: early heat waves can be especially dangerous since it takes our bodies up to 2 weeks to adjust to hot weather," OPH said on Twitter. "Take it easy until your body has adjusted by drinking more water & taking extra precautions."
Severe thunderstorm watch
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Ottawa.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe storms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.
"Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles," Environment Canada said.
"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!"
Ottawa Forecast
Friday’s forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 31 C. The humidex will make it feel more like 36.
There will be a 40 per cent chance of showers this afternoon with a risk of a thunderstorm.
There will also be a chance of showers early this evening and a risk of a thunderstorm. The overnight low will be 15 C.
Temperatures will return to the seasonal average this weekend.
Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 23 C. Skies will stay clear Saturday evening and temperatures will fall to 8 C overnight.
Sunday’s outlook is sunny with a high of 23 C.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.