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Environment Canada says temperatures will hover between highs of 35 C and lows of 23 C for the rest of the week.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Environment Canada has issued orange and yellow weather warnings as an intense and prolonged heat wave is expected to blanket much of Ontario, including Toronto and Ottawa, starting today.

Heat warnings are also in place for parts of eastern and southern Quebec, with daytime temperatures in Montreal around 33 C starting Wednesday and lasting until Saturday.

The weather agency says the heat and humidity could continue through to Friday and possibly into the weekend before temperatures drop slightly next week.

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It says maximum temperatures in Toronto and Ottawa are expected to reach 33 C with a humidex of 42 C.

Environment Canada says temperatures will hover between highs of 35 C and lows of 23 C for the rest of the week.

Forecasters say parts of northern Ontario, from Thunder Bay to Timmins, could see temperatures of 32 C, with a humidex near 40 C.

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The agency says people should limit direct exposure to the sun and heat, and check on family members and neighbours who are at high risk of heat illness or living alone.