Ottawa experienced record-breaking heat on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to levels rarely seen this late in the year. According to Environment Canada, the temperature reached 28.5 °C at the Ottawa Airport at 1 p.m., surpassing the previous Oct. 5 record of 27.2 °C set in 1941.
The mercury climbed even higher as the afternoon progressed, peaking at 29.7 °C at 3 p.m. before easing slightly to 28.2 °C by early evening. The average high for this time of year is just 15 °C, making Sunday’s conditions nearly double the seasonal norm.
The unseasonable warmth is expected to continue into Monday, with sunny skies and a forecasted high of 30 °C, along with a humidex of 33. If the temperature exceeds the standing Oct. 6 record of 27.2 °C (set in 1946), Ottawa could see back-to-back daily records fall.
The hot spell is expected to break on Tuesday with a chance of showers and a high of 24 °C. Cooler, more seasonal weather will return Wednesday and Thursday, with forecast highs near 13 °C.
This marks the hottest Oct. 5 in Ottawa’s recorded history.