Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Ottawa amid humid conditions

A pedestrian walks during a rainstorm in the ByWard Market on Sunday, July 6, 2025. (Brad Quinn/CTV News Ottawa)

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Ottawa and the surrounding areas.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential rain.

Hazards include wind gusts of up to 110 km/h, torrential rainfall with amounts possibly in excess of 50 millimetres and nickel-sized hail.

Forecasters says the storms could form this evening.

“Utility outages are possible. Significant damage to property, buildings and trees is possible,” the weather alert says.

“Be prepared for severe weather. If threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail. When thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.”

Hot summer temperatures returned to Ottawa today, with the humidex expected to make it feel like 43 in the afternoon.

Environment Canada says “hot and humid conditions are expected” over the next five days, with temperatures ranging from 26 C to 34 C until Monday.

The forecast calls for a high of 34 C today, with the humidex making it feel like 43. According to Environment Canada, temperatures will jump from 19 C at 7 a.m. to 25 C at 9 a.m. and 30 C by 1 p.m.

The warmest temperature recorded at the Ottawa Airport on July 24 is 34.4 C, set back in 1989.

Ottawa will see a mix of sun and cloud today. High 34 C.

Increasing cloudiness this evening with a 70 per cent chance of showers. Low 22 C.

Friday will start cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. Environment Canada says conditions will clear in the afternoon. High 27 C with the humidex making it feel like 34.

Saturday will be sunny. High 26 C.

The outlook for Sunday calls for a mix of sun and cloud. High 29 C.

Monday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High 31 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 27 C and a low of 16 C.

30 C days

This will be the seventh day in July the temperature has hit 30 C.

The warmest temperature was 34.2 C on July 16.

The temperature hit 30 C twice in July 2024 and four times in July 2023.