Here’s where you can cool off in Ottawa during the heat warning

Another heat wave arrives in the capital. We tell you what to expect with Climatologist David Phillips.

Ottawa is under a heat warning but there are many places in the city where you can cool off.

Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level heat warning for Ottawa, with Tuesday marking the peak for this heat event.

“Maximum temperatures near 37 degrees Celsius are expected this afternoon for some areas over southwestern Ontario, around the Greater Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario,” Environment Canada says.

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According to the warning, Ottawa can also expect humidex values of 38 to 45 during the day and minimum temperatures of 20 to 25 C in the evening and overnight.

“Certainly everybody is at risk. But older adults, as well as individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease or lung cancer, chronic lung conditions, including asthma, are at risk,” said Dr. Emil Prikryl of Ottawa Public Health. “Individuals with mental health challenges can also be at increased risk for a variety of reasons, mainly because of difficulty accessing certain social services or barriers to care.”

If it reaches 35 C, it will be Ottawa’s hottest day of the year. It reached 33.1 C on July 2.

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The city of Ottawa has an interactive map with places to cool off, with locations such as recreation centres, libraries, and community centres.

“It’s particularly helpful for individuals who may have difficulty accessing air conditioned spaces,” said Prikryl. “And it’s important to check the hours before you leave and make a plan for how you’ll get there.”

The city also operates splash pads, wading pools, outdoor pools, and beaches.

In Pictures: Ottawa’s hottest swimming spots

Ottawa forecast

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with a 30 per cent chance of showers late this afternoon with risk of thunderstorms. High 35 C. Humidex 43. UV index 9 or very high.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers and risk of thunderstorms. Clearing before morning. Low 20 C.

Wednesday: Mainly sunny. High 29 C. Humidex 33. UV index 8 or very high.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 29 C.

Friday: Sunny. High 26 C.

Tips to stay cool

“The main message here is that it’s all about prevention. You want to drink before you feel thirsty, you want to rest before you feel exhausted, and you want to cool down before you feel unwell,” Prikryl said.

According to the City of Ottawa, here are some tips to stay cool in hot weather:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably water, and limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity.
• Limit or avoid direct exposure to the sun and wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF lip balm.
• Dress in light and loose-fitting clothing.
• Look for shade or a cool shelter in an air-conditioned location such as a shopping mall, library or community centre.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows open.
• Take frequent cool showers or baths. If you cannot shower or bath easily, sponge often with cool wet towels. Focus on cooling the back of the neck, under the arms and groin area. Soak feet and hands in a basin of cool water.