Stifling heat and humidity suffocating Quebec to start the week
Monday and Tuesday temperatures expected to be around 34 C
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for southern and central Quebec starting Monday, as a warm and humid air mass pushes through Ontario and makes its way across the province.
Environment Canada meteorologist Julien Pellerin said temperatures will reach 30 C and above, with humidex values between 40 and 45.
"It's mostly the humidity in the air that will make it feel like really unbearable, if I can say, for some people," he said.
The peak of the heat wave will hit on Monday and Tuesday with daytime highs expected to break records in Montreal, according to Pellerin.
In an email to CBC, he noted that the record for June 23 is 33.1 C and dates back to 2020, while the heat record for June 24 is 32.4, from 2003.
Those expecting to get some relief overnight will be out of luck, with temperatures expected to remain above 20 C.
Stay hydrated, Environment Canada warns
That is a concern, especially for people with chronic health conditions, older people and young children, Pellerin said, explaining that fatigue accumulates in the body and the warmer temperatures at night don't allow for recovery.
With that in mind, the weather agency is reminding people to stay hydrated and drink lots of water, even before feeling thirsty.
It is also recommending that people plan any outdoor activities for the coolest parts of the days and to limit exposure to sunlight and heat.
To cool down, people can take showers and should try to spend a few hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool location.
During heat waves, the City of Montreal often extends the opening hours of many public places where people can get a reprieve from the heat, including pools, splash pads and misting fountains.
The city recommends calling ahead before heading out. More information on available amenities can be found on the city's website.
A City of Montreal map showing places where you can cool off:
Authorities recommend consulting a health-care professional or calling the 811 Info-Santé health line if you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms: fatigue, dehydration, redness, headache, dizziness or confusion.
If you are also feverish, you may be experiencing heat stroke and should call 911.
Meanwhile, those who work with people experiencing homelessness in the Montreal area expressed concern about how the heat wave will affect the unhoused.
"Severe heat is a lot more difficult to manage. In some instances, it's because people don't recognize just how hot it is and how important it is to hydrate. And so we've got a challenge ahead of us in the next couple of days," said Sam Watts, the CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission.
He added that heat waves are something the mission plans for every year, so they'll be ready to monitor people and keep them hydrated.
There is, however, the added concern that Tuesday coincides with Fête Nationale which is a statutory holiday.
That means places where people might go to seek out air conditioning like public libraries or malls might be closed.
On Monday, however, Nicky Cayer, a spokesperson for the City of Montreal, told Radio-Canada that conditions had been met for the city to activate its special intervention plan.
Part of the plan includes distributing water bottles to people who are unhoused via community organizations and automated phone calls are also being rolled out in areas where more vulnerable populations have been identified.
Cayer also confirmed that boroughs have been invited to extend the opening hours of air-conditioned public spaces and their aquatic facilities.
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With files from Kwabena Oduro and Shuyee Lee