No heat relief in sight as 'Orange-level' heat warning remains in place

Tara Gosling found a good way to cool off by diving at the East Wharf NCC swimming dock near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Locks, July 1, 2026. Photo by Jean Levac /POSTMEDIA

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There’s no relief from the record-setting heat in sight Thursday, as Environment Canada maintains an “orange-level” heat warning for the capital and area.

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Maximum temperatures are expected to hit 35 C, the agency says.

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“Minimum temperatures of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius (Thursday night) will provide little relief from the heat,” Environment Canada says.

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Shortly after 11 a.m., the weather agency issued a “Yellow Watch – Severe Thunderstorm.”

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The caution warns of possible “wind gusts near 100 km/h, heavy rain, possibly exceeding 30 mm (and) up to ping-pong ball sized hail.”

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The storm could hit “this afternoon and evening,” according to the message.

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As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the agency said the temperature “felt like” 30 degrees with the humidex in Ottawa.

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Environment Canada’s forecast for Ottawa Thursday calls for a high of 35 C, with Humidex levels of 46. Expect a mix of sun and cloud, a 40 per cent chance of showers early in the morning and in the afternoon. Thursday evening is looking partly cloudy with 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm, then clear overnight.

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The low should be around 22 C.

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Wednesday’s record-breaking rainfall wreaked havoc on Canada Day festivities, flooded streets and basements, and knocked out power to tens of thousands of people.

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In a Thursday morning message, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said more than 1,400 people called 3-1-1 to report their basements had flooded.

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Environment Canada said 118 mm of rain was recorded at the airport Wednesday, the greatest rainfall on July 1 in the city’s history.

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The conditions followed record-breaking rainfall that wreaked havoc on Canada Day festivities, flooded streets and basements, and knocked out power to tens of thousands of people.

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Flooding was reported on residential streets and on Highways 416 and 417 through the afternoon.

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The Ottawa Police Service says two roads remain closed due to flooding Thursday morning:  Moodie Drive south of Carling Avenue and Scott Street between Hinchey Avenue and Stirling Avenue.

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“Orange level” on the Environment Canada colour-coded scale indicates levels likely “to cause significant damage, disruption or health impacts.”

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Boating near the NCC Boat House on the Ottawa River. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA

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Environment Canada advises residents:

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