It’s the heat — and the humidity

Humidex to pass 40 at least three days

It’s going to stay hot this week, and not just a little. Anything that hasn’t been “conditioned” won’t even be air, just steam.

Monday’s forecast calls for 34 C which, in itself, would be a record for July 15. But when the humidity gets through with us, it’s going to feel like something above 40.

Environment Canada issued a humidex advisory Sunday, which is triggered when the temperature is above 30 and the humidex is over 40. But where Sunday’s humidex actually fell half a degree below that threshold, the next few days are expected to be hotter.

Mitch Meredith, an Environment Canada meteorologist, said he expects the weather system coming from the south to keep the heat on Ottawa for most of the week.

“We’ll probably have a humidex advisory in effect at least Monday to Wednesday,” he said, adding that the oppressive weather could stay through Thursday or Friday.

“It’s a large-scale ridge of high pressure and the higher, humid air is starting to move up across the Great Lakes, basically from the south,” Meredith said.

On Monday, if you’re wondering what to wear, perhaps consider a giant sponge.

Meredith said the whole afternoon will likely see a humidex above 40. “It’s going to be a lot more intense,” he said, compared to Sunday.

The City of Ottawa provides public access to many of its air-conditioned facilities on such days. A list can be found on the city’s website or by calling 311.