Heat warning in effect for Montreal, several Quebec regions

The latest heat warning in effect for the Montreal area is normal for this time of year, according to CityNews’ chief meteorologist.

Natasha Ramsahai says the intense hear over the next two days – highs of 31 but feeling like 40 with the humidex – is “fairly typical” for the beginning of July.

“We do have some relief coming as we head towards the end of the week, but it is going to be hot,” she said. “And not just hot, but sticky, whereas earlier this season we had the heat, but it was kind of a drier heat. We didn’t really have that Gulf of Mexico moisture accompanying it.”

The next few nights will also be uncomfortable with temperatures staying above 20 degrees.

“This time it’s like the dog days of summer, heat feeling like the low forties.”

That heat and humidity was accompanied by an intense thunderstorm Tuesday.

A video taken by Clinton Lexa, who was at Caffè della Pace on Van Horne Avenue, shows just how violently the rain came down.

Thunderstorm in Montreal right now is pretty unreal! I think I'm stuck at a cafe for a while????????‍???? Be safe local folks, the street is flooding pretty badly here pic.twitter.com/9TYneRnZ2z

— Clinton Lexa (@halfcoordinated) July 4, 2023

High temperatures are expected to last until Thursday, at which point they will drop off slightly – a high of 26 C is expected Friday.

“A ridge of high pressure, cold front coming through later this week (will) kick it out,” said Ramsahai.

Despite calling it typical for the time of year, Ramsahai says any type of heat event can be dangerous.

“The body doesn’t have a chance to sweat because there’s already so much moisture in the air,” she said. “So you sweat, but it doesn’t evaporate and so your body is naturally unable to cool itself when there’s so much humidity and moisture in the air. So that’s really the big concern here is trying to get people to cool down.”

#WATCH: Montreal still under a severe thunderstorm watch and heat warning. It's hot and muggy. Environment Canada says it could hit 38 with the humidex. @swiddarassy has more.

MORE: https://t.co/5adoDmBmuC pic.twitter.com/N2PJWQijRK

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) July 4, 2023

While many may opt to go out for a swim to cool down, once the rain stops, Raynald Hawkins from the Quebec Lifesaving Society is emphasizing the importance of supervision.

“If you want to go on the beaches make sure you have a lifeguard on duty, inside the swim areas,” he said.

“Particularly toddlers, because when we have this kind of weather they are very attracted to the swimming pool in the backyard, so it is very important to explain to them that they can’t be near or in the water without mom or dad.”

This year, there have been more than 30 drownings in the province according to the Quebec Lifesaving Society. Most recently, five people drowned during the St. Jean weekend in Montreal.

“One drowning is one too much anyway because they are preventable,” said Hawkins.

Check on vulnerable population

Ramsahai says it’s important to check on the vulnerable population, including seniors and children, and pets.

“Please do not take them anywhere and leave them in your car when it’s 30 degrees outside. Within 10 minutes, the temperature in the car is over 40 and within half an hour the temperature in a car is 51 degrees Celsius. So things heat up very rapidly in a car,” said Ramsahai.

“Outdoor workers as well need to find that time to take frequent breaks and get into air conditioned spaces or cooling centers… Hydration, we always say, is key.”

The extreme heat conditions are also in the forecast for Gatineau, Maniwaki, Lachute, the Laurentians, Témiscamingue, Trois-Rivières, Victoriaville and Quebec.

An abundance of weather warnings

Sun and clouds will be back for Saturday and Sunday with highs of 27 degrees and a 60 per cent chance of showers on Sunday.

Ramsahai acknowledges it’s been a seemingly turbulent summer with smog, smoke, thunderstorm and heat warnings.

RELATED: Quebec forest fire situation continues to improve with rain but risks remain: SOPFEU

“With the smog and the wildfire smoke, we know that that was well above average,” she said. “The fires, there are so many more burning than average across the country. And then determining where the smoke is going to go, it’s all dependent on what the winds are doing at the time. So that’s going to be an ongoing issue actually throughout the summer.

“The heat warnings are pretty average for this time of year. But yeah, we have definitely been into some kind of weather advisories, statement or warnings for many of the days this summer.”