School closures in some parts of Quebec as heat wave continues

As a heat wave continues in most of Quebec – including the Montreal region – a few school service centres across the province have decided to close their schools due to the extreme weather.

Environment Canada issued a heat warning for southern Quebec, saying Wednesday, “the warm and humid air mass will persist over the province today. The combination of high temperatures and humidity will give humidex values of at least 40 in many areas.”

Temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees, with humidex values between 37 and 42 in areas from Abitibi-Témiscamingue to the Eastern Townships, including the Montreal metropolitan region.

Environment Canada warns “these warm temperatures may even last into Friday over southernmost parts of Quebec.”

The Centre de services scolaire des Rives-du-Saguenay announced that it would be closing all their schools on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Centre de services scolaire au Cœur-des-Vallées in Outaouais closed all their elementary and high schools.

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There have been no schools closures due to the heat in Montreal.

However, the extreme heat has renewed calls from service centres and school boards for funding from the Quebec government to equip all public schools with air conditioners.

Premier Legault reacted to the demands on Tuesday, saying “this was an example of decentralization”

“We’ll all agree that, for September, it’s an exceptional heat wave,” said the Premier. “Obviously, it’s not the same temperature from one region to another.”

“I think decentralization, when it comes to issues like this, is the best thing,” added Legault. “We’re going to let school principals decide what’s best for kids and act accordingly.”

Environment Canada reminds the population that the risks during extreme heat are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

The agency recommends drinking plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place to reduce your heat risk. Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

– With files from The Canadian Press