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Ottawa Public Health extended its heat warning on Monday until at least Thursday, and fire officials placed a city-wide ban on open fires until at least the heat advisory is lifted.

A heat warning is issued when Environment Canada’s forecast temperatures are expected to exceed 31 C during the daytime and not drop below 20 at night, or when the humidex is expected to exceed 40 for two consecutive days.

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The weather agency was predicting highs of 31 for Tuesday, 28 for Wednesday and 27 for Thursday, along with high humidity and likely showers.

Chris Burke, a sector chief with Ottawa Fire Services, blamed the hot, dry weather for the fire ban. He noted, however, that even when there’s no ban residents must first obtain a permit for any open fires, which are generally permitted only in rural areas.

Meanwhile, city beaches officially closed on Sunday. People are free to them use at their own risk, which means there are no lifeguards on watch and no daily water quality tests.

The standard beach season usually runs from the third Saturday in June to the third Sunday in August, according to the city. This year’s season lasted 58 days; next year’s is supposed to last 65 days.

avoski@ottawacitizen.com

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