This weekend presents Ottawa with a final chance to savor the unseasonably warm weather before the arrival of autumn’s chill. Meteorologist Geoff Coulson from Environment Canada highlighted the extraordinary weather forecast for the upcoming days, attributing it to warm air moving into eastern Ontario from the southern United States. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid- to high-20s, well above the typical highs of around 16°C for this time of year.
The projected temperatures for the weekend are as follows: a high of 25°C on Friday, 26°C on Saturday, 28°C on Sunday, and 27°C on Monday. Coulson mentioned the possibility of Sunday’s temperature surpassing the previous record of 27°C set in 1991.
Local restaurants are eagerly anticipating the warm weather and the bustling patios it will bring. Rob McIsaac, co-founder of Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, expressed excitement over the potential increase in business due to the pleasant patio weather.
The heatwave is anticipated to subside by the middle of next week. Coulson also noted that September experienced not only above-average temperatures but also marked the third consecutive month of drier-than-normal conditions in eastern Ontario. This led all six conservation authorities in the region to issue low water level statements, urging the public to conserve water. The most recent statement was released on September 24 for the Mississippi River watershed.
The impact of the ongoing dry conditions has been widespread, with instances like a forest fire in North Dundas, Ontario, occurring amidst burn bans and water advisories. Some local farmers have faced challenges due to the hot and dry weather affecting their harvests.
Looking ahead, Coulson predicted that October will continue to be dry and warmer than usual, with November likely following a similar trend. However, he emphasized that it is uncertain if the current weather pattern will have any bearing on the upcoming winter conditions.
