Get ready for a blistering hot Canada Day weekend

You'll be feeling some searing temperatures along with that sense of national pride this Canada Day in Ottawa.

Both Environment Canada and Ottawa Public Health have issued heat alerts ahead of the long weekend.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement Tuesday afternoon warning temperatures will begin to climb following rain on Wednesday.

"BeginningFridayorSaturdayand continuing through the Canada Day long weekend, expected daytime highs are in the low- to mid-30swith humidex values into the mid-40s," the agency wrote in a statement. "Overnight low temperatures will only fall to the low 20s, providing little or no relief from the heat."

The agency won't hazard a guess as to when the heat will break,with early forecasts suggesting it could persist into the middle of next week.

Health warnings

Ottawa Public Health is also warning about the heat.

The health agency is advising people to stay cool this weekend, drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

It's also warning people to avoid strenuous activities, and to wear sunscreen. It's also cautioning people not to leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car.