Heat warning still in effect for Montreal as Quebec battles scorching temperatures
Posted June 23, 2025 6:48 am.
Last Updated June 23, 2025 7:24 pm.
Much of Quebec, including Montreal, will continue to bake in high temperatures Monday and Tuesday as a heat dome lingers over the region.
Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the area on Sunday, saying extreme heat can affect everyone’s health.
“Maximum temperatures will exceed 30°C during the day and remain above 20°C at night,” said the weather agency. “Take action to protect yourself and others.”
“The heat wave that we have right now, and the heat warning associated with it for Southern Quebec today, are due to a weather pattern along the east coast of the United States,” said Alexandra Cournoyer, spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change Canada. “It’s pumping heat—hot winds—throughout the province, especially in the southern portion.”
Vague de chaleur extrême lundi
Le réseau doit prendre TOUS les moyens pour assurer la sécurité ET le bien-être des élèves & des équipes-écoles.
S'il faut fermer des écoles,faites-le!
Plusieurs centres de services scolaires sont en action.
Lettre de la sous-ministre adjointe???? pic.twitter.com/bDdlAK0rOS
Mainly sunny skies in the city on Monday with a high of 35°C, but with the humidex it is set to feel more like 46°C.
At Verdun Beach around 12:30 p.m., it felt like 44 C with the humidex.
“We’re going to enjoy ourselves, we’re full of sunscreen, and we’re going to go into the water and have a good time,” said Carmen Kaiser, a West Island resident.
People are encouraged to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and be on alert for early signs of heat exhaustion.
“Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness,” explained ECCC. “Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.”
Despite the extreme heat, some schools in Montreal remained open Monday, even after Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville encouraged schools to close if needed.
“This morning, the teacher wrote to us asking to bring some wet towels and clothes so they could play outside. They did a water game,” said Valérie Charest, a parent of a student at Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs primary school.
“There were some slides where you could slide, but I didn’t do it,” said Valérika, a student at the school. “There were also some small pools.”
“They’re playing outside in the water,” said Itzel Awad, Valérika’s mother. “But yes, I mean, there’s obviously a real concern with 46 degrees and 42—I don’t know how much, but it’s pretty hot.”
To help residents stay cool, the City of Montreal has opened 85 per cent of its outdoor pools—56 in total. All 62 of the city’s wading pools and 200 splash pads are also open, with some extending their hours. Several municipal libraries are remaining open later on Monday and Tuesday to provide shaded relief.
Dr. Christopher Labos, a Montreal cardiologist and epidemiologist, urged residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.
“Stay inside where it’s cool,’ said Dr. Labos. “If you have air conditioning, use it. If you don’t have air conditioning, even just a fan is going to make a difference. Stay hydrated. And if you don’t have air conditioning and don’t have a fan, go somewhere that does.”
Not everyone was looking for cool, indoor refuge, however. Many residents and tourists headed to local beaches.
“I wanted to feel the summer mode—beaches and all of that. You know, sunbathing,” said Céline, a Toronto resident visiting Verdun Beach.
“It’s good to go outside and see a little bit of the city, like Montreal, and take in the sun on the beach. Not just stay inside watching TV all day,” said Alexis Biau, a visitor from France.
The hot and humid conditions continuing into Tuesday — with mainly sunny skies and a daytime high of 34°C, but 41°C expected with the humidex.
“Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside,” said ECCC. “Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.”
The weather agency also saying to follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.
“Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat,” they said. “Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.”
Montrealers are encouraged to plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
“Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle,” they added. “Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.”
Come Wednesday, warm temperatures expected to continue with a high of 30°C, then a low of 19°C at night.
High of 24°C on Thursday but clouds are set to trickle in with showers at night — a low of 16°C.
To end the work week, Montreal is set to continue cooling down on Friday with rain and a daytime high of 22°C.
For now, Saturday is expected to be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 21°C.
Then 27°C in the forecast for Sunday, with a mix of sun and cloud.
—With files from Gareth Madoc-Jones and The Canadian Press
