Heat wave continues in Montreal, severe thunderstorm watch
Posted June 20, 2024 9:05 am.
Last Updated June 20, 2024 10:38 am.
An oppressive heat wave continues to cover southern Quebec with daytime highs hitting 30 to 35 — above 40 with the humidex — and officials warning about the dangers of such extreme temperatures.
The hot weather is expected to continue into Friday, says Environment Canada, with overnight temperatures staying above 20.
Jennifer Smith, a national warning preparedness meteorologist with the federal department, said a heat wave this intense “has rarely been observed this early in June,” and rivals some of the worst July and August heat waves Eastern Canada has seen in recent years.
The high humidity and relatively high nighttime temperatures are making this week’s weather especially gruelling, Smith said Wednesday during a federal government news conference. “People are not able to cool off for an extended period of time,” she said. “It will be a muggy, hot few days for Eastern Canada.”
She said the heat wave has already broken some temperature records and more could fall.
Quebec’s Health Department is recommending people spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned space, take at least one cool shower or bath per day, and limit physical activity. Environment Canada is also reminding people to check on loved ones, especially those who are disabled, mentally ill or living alone.
In Montreal, the heat wave continues as the first day of summer kicks off with a daytime high of 32 degrees, and the humidex feeling like 41.
Environment Canada with not only a heat warning, but a severe thunderstorm watch as well for Thursday afternoon.
June 20th is the longest day of the year, so residents should stay hydrated and rest indoors if possible during the peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
On Friday, Environment Canada predicts the weather will cool down to 27, with a humidex of 30 and a low of 18 degrees.
Saturday will be cloudy, with a 60 per cent chance of showers, a high of 21 and a low of 18.
On Sunday, the wet weather returns.
Montrealers can embrace the rain after a week-long heat wave, with a high of 25 and a low of 16 degrees.
The sunshine returns on Monday, with a high of 26 and a low of 16.
On Tuesday, the sunny skies continue with a high of 30 and a low of 19.
According to the weather agency, the average high for this time of year is 24 degrees, with the low’s ranging around 13.
-with files from La Presse Canadienne
