Record warm temperatures in Ottawa on Thursday
Ottawa's spring heat wave continues, with a second straight day of record-breaking temperatures.
The temperature hit 29.7 C at 4 p.m. at the Ottawa Airport, making it the warmest May 12 in Ottawa in more than 100 years. The previous record for warmest May 12 in Ottawa was 27.6 C, set back in 1992.
Environment Canada says the temperature hit 30.5 C between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Environment Canada's David Phillips says the "absolutely gorgeous" weather will continue into the weekend.
"My gosh, we could have four days in a row with temperatures that are breaking the all-time record for these particular days," Phillips told CTV Morning Live.
"It is very difficult to get a 30-degree temperature in early to mid-May in Ottawa. Typically, winter has just kind of left a week or so ago, and it's so hard to get those scorching types of temperatures."
Phillips says a "big high-pressure area" is dominating the weather over a good part of eastern North America.
Environment Canada’s weather forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 31 C on Thursday.
Toay is the second straight day with record-breaking warm temperatures, following the warmest May 11 in Ottawa in more than 100 years. The temperature hit 28.4 C on Wednesday.
Phillips says while it will be hot in Ottawa, you will not feel the humidity.
"These days in the middle in the July would be sultry and oppressive, we'd be saying, 'Oh my gosh, it's the humidity,'" Phillips said.
"The trees are not growing as much, plants and crops are not so all that kind of local moisture is not getting into the air; it is just in the atmosphere coming from the south."
The record-breaking temperatures are expected to continue – Friday’s forecast calls for sunshine and a high of 31 C.
Skies will stay clear Friday evening and temperatures will fall to 17 C overnight.
On Saturday – plenty of sunshine and a high of 31 C.
Phillips says if you don't like the humidity, this may be the best part of the spring and summer.
"I think this is probably the most comfortable kind of days that we probably will have the whole year. It's free energy time; you're not spending money on your air conditioning or your heat."
Environment Canada's forecast calls for temperatures to fall to 22 C on Monday and 19 C on Tuesday, which will still be warmer than normal for mid-May.
"When the cool off comes, we see more Canadian air and American air, it's still going to be above seasonal values."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.