People cool themselves with fans during Canada Day parade in Toronto on Wednesday. ZOU ZHENG/XINHUA
OTTAWA/NEW YORK — A destructive "heat dome" is bringing extreme heat to parts of North America, including large areas of Canada and the northeastern United States, while severe storms and torrential rain have caused flooding in Canada ahead of Canada Day and US Independence Day celebrations.
Millions of Canadians are under heat alerts as conditions persist. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for parts of Ontario, Quebec, the Prairies and the Northwest Territories, where daytime highs and humidity have climbed well above seasonal norms.
Ontario remains one of the hardest-hit provinces, with residents in eastern Ontario urged to limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Authorities also advised people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and regularly check on vulnerable groups, including older adults, young children and those sensitive to extreme temperatures.
The combination of sweltering heat and unstable atmospheric conditions has also heightened the risk of severe thunderstorms. In Ottawa, Canada Day celebrations were disrupted on Wednesday after heavy storms and localized flooding forced the cancellation of afternoon programming, including a flypast by the Snowbirds demonstration team.
