Severe thunderstorm watch and heat warning issued for Montreal

Environment Canada has issued both a severe thunderstorm watch and a heat warning for the Montreal Island area, as dangerous heat and unstable weather take hold to start the week.

Temperatures will soar to 32°C this afternoon, with humidity pushing the humidex to 40. By late afternoon, severe thunderstorms are expected to develop, bringing the risk of wind gusts up to 100 km/h, heavy downpours. The risk continues into the evening before tapering off near midnight.

Overnight, showers may linger with a low of 19°C. Monday will stay unsettled, starting mainly cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of morning showers. Rain is expected to return near noon, along with a risk of afternoon thunderstorms. Winds will shift northeast as temperatures cool to a high of 23°C, though it will still feel like 30.

Showers continue Monday night with a low of 16°C. Tuesday brings cloudy skies and a high of 25°C, with partial clearing overnight and a low of 17°C.

Wednesday offers a break from the gloom, with sunny skies and a high of 28°C, followed by a mild night at 20°C.

Clouds return on Thursday with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 27°C. That pattern continues into the night and Friday morning, before conditions improve again with a mix of sun and cloud expected to carry through the weekend, with highs around 27°C.

Officials remind residents to remain alert to changing conditions, stay indoors during storms, and check on vulnerable neighbours as the heat and storm risk continue.