Pembroke is under a yellow heat warning as a hot and humid air mass settles over the upper Ottawa Valley, with temperatures expected to peak at 34°C on Tuesday, July 14. Environment Canada issued the warning Monday afternoon for the Petawawa-Pembroke-Cobden area, advising that humidex values could reach 42.
Tuesday’s forecast high is about 8 degrees above the July normal of 26°C, and overnight lows between 20 and 24°C will offer little relief. The warning is rated as moderate impact with high forecast confidence, part of a new colour-coded system Environment Canada introduced in 2025.
This marks Pembroke’s second significant heat event of the month. A higher-level orange warning was in place over Canada Day weekend, when humidex values also topped 40. The current yellow warning is expected to last until Wednesday or Thursday evening.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit has opened cooling stations in Pembroke, Petawawa and Deep River. In Pembroke, residents can find relief at the Pembroke Mall, West End Plaza and the Stafford Park Splash Pad. Water is available at the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, Riverside Park Field House and the marina boat house.
Environment Canada warns that the hot, humid air may also push the Air Quality Health Index toward high-risk levels, especially after wildfire smoke from Quebec affected the region over the weekend. Officials advise residents to drink plenty of water, check on vulnerable neighbours and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
