Ottawa braces for Canada Day heat wave with temps in mid

Ottawa braces for Canada Day heat wave with temps in mid-30s

Stay hydrated, find a place to cool off and check in on others, paramedics advise

Ottawa prepares for heat wave with temperatures in mid-30s

Ottawa’s hot summer weather is here to stay for a while.

The city is bracing for a heat wave that could see temperatures rise to 34 C without the humidex and little reprieve overnight, according to Environment Canada.

With Canada Day on Wednesday and many planning to celebrate outdoors, experts are recommending people take it easy to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration.

"It's important that you take breaks from the heat ... whether it's in the air conditioning or in the shade," advised Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps.

He also encouraged people to check in on one another, and avoid potentially dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol.

"If you go out for Canada Day festivities, remain well hydrated, dress appropriately with loose enough clothing," he said. Hats and sunscreen are also a must.

On Monday, some families were already taking extra precautions to keep themselves cool.

Jeff, Christa and Lucas Hutchins are visiting Ottawa with their dog Whisky, and said they plan to enjoy the water and explore the city.

"We’re finding shade, lots and lots of water," Jeff said. "So, water breaks often, which is great, and [Whisky] loves just to lay down in the shade."

The City of Ottawa has a list of places where people can cool off in an air-conditioned environment, including libraries and community centres.

In response to the heat wave, Gatineau will will be extending swimming hours at public beaches and pools, in addition to having some libraries stay open for longer.

Cassandra Bellefeuille is a journalist with CBC Ottawa. She covers municipal affairs, politics and local news. She holds a combined honours degree in journalism and political science from Carleton University.