Heat warnings issued for scorching long weekend

Heat warnings have been issued for Ottawa and other parts of eastern Ontario as an "atypical" wave of hot air blankets the region.

Environment Canada said in an alerttemperature highs are expected to reach near 29 C to 32 C on Sunday.

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be even hotter, with temperatures as high as 35 C.

The humidity, however, could make it feel more like 35 C to 40 C.

"Despite overnight temperatures being lower than warning criteria in some areas, humidex and daytime highs will be very atypical of early September," the weather agency said in a Saturday alert.

The alert said a cold front is forecast to bring relief later in the week, though the timing is uncertain.

People should drink plenty of water during the hot spell, while outdoor workers should take plenty of breaks, Environment Canada said.

Heat illness symptoms includeswelling, rashes, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion,heat stroke, and the worsening of pre-existing conditions. Children, pregnant adults and older people are among those who are more vulnerable, the agency said.

As of Saturday afternoon, the warnings also covered eastern Ontariocommunities like Brockville, Clarence-Rockland, Cornwall, Gananoque and Kingston.

An arriving cold front will bring an end to the heat on Wednesday, Environment Canada said.

Comes after cool August

The long weekend heat wave comes after a relatively temperate August.

The temperature didn't reach 30 C once last month, something that hasn't happened in August since2008.

Environment Canada's forecast calls for a high of 31C on Sunday, and32C on Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday.

A 'Goldilocks'summer

There have only been five days with temperatures above 30 C since the first day of summer on June 21.

"I'd call it a Goldilockssummer. Not too hot, not too cold," said Peter Kimbell, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

The warmest day in August was Aug. 9, when the temperature hit 28.3 C. The last time the temperature topped 30 C was on July 11, with a high of 31.6 C.

Rainfall was also above average in August, with110.8 millimetres of rain, compared to a normal of 86 millimetres.

We also had more rainy days than average.

• Rainy summer brings water quality warnings for city beaches

"It was unusual, but we'll make up for it very soon," Kimbell said.