The heat breaks in Ottawa, but smoke warning remains

'Yellow' air quality alert remains due to continued wildfires but 'conditions may improve for some areas later'

After several days of hot and sometimes threatening weather, it looks like the capital’s in for a more pleasant break for the next few days. However, weather officials say a “Yellow” level air quality alert remains in the Ottawa area Thursday due to smoke from continued wildfires in northwestern Ontario. “Conditions may improve for some areas later (Thursday),” Environment Canada says.

The agency continues to recommend people consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. Weatherwise, things start with a mix of sun and cloud Thursday, with a 40-per-cent chance of showers in the afternoon, and yet another risk of a thunderstorm this afternoon. The temperature is expected to hit 26 C, with the humidex making it feel like about 29 and the UV index 8 or very high.

Winds may become gusty around noon about 40 km/hr. Thursday night should be be clear with the low temperature a fresh 14 C. Friday’s looking sunny, again with a high of 25 C and a humidex rating of 27. The UV rating remains at index 8 or very high.

Expect some clouds Friday night, with the low temperature around 15 C. Showers, but no major storms, are in the outlook for the weekends. Saturday looks cloudy with 40-per-cent chance of showers. The high is expected to be a very fresh 21 C. Expect cloudy periods with 30-per-cent chance of showers Saturday night with a low of 15 C. Sunday’s another mix of sun and cloud with a 30-per-cent chance of showers and a high of 25 C. The forecast is fore cloudy periods overnight and a low of 15 C.

The heat’s expected to creep up Monday to a high of 27 under a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 per cent chance of showers. Monday night looks cloudy with a 30-per-cent chance of showers and a low of 16 C. Related City council approves flood relief measures as cleanup continues What made for so much lightning over Ottawa on Tuesday night?