Heat warning issued for Ottawa

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Ottawa area leading into the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 33 C.

The highest temperatures are expected Thursday and Friday, the weather agency said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

Daytime temperatures are expected to stay near 30 C from Wednesday through until Friday.

• Is the weather normally like this in May? Check the CBC News Climate Dashboard to find out how today's temperatures compare to historical trends.

The heat is expected to cool down to 15 C Wednesday night, but Thursday's overnight temperature is expected to remain high and provide little relief from the heat.

Environment Canada said extreme heat affects everyone, with young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic illnesses at a greater risk. People working or exercising outdoors are also at risk.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is encouraging people to take steps to protect themselves during hot weather events, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and cooling off in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

OPH also encouraged people to find places in the city to cool off, including splash pads, community centres, parks and green spaces, by using an interactive map on its website.

Ottawa Fire Services also issued a burn ban for the city as of Wednesday afternoon. The ban prohibitsall open-air fires, including campfires, agricultural burnsand brush pile burns, even on properties that have a permit for one.

Cooler temperatures are expected to return in Ottawa on Saturday.