Montreal under multi-day heat advisory amid moving day, health officials urge caution

Montrealers are being advised to prepare for a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat as a yellow warning takes effect from Wednesday through Saturday, bringing sweltering temperatures and humidity across the city. The warning comes as thousands of Montrealers are set to move July 1.

The Shevin Loof family has been spending time in Devonshire Park. The play fountain has helped them cope with the heat: ” It’s been really really hot and it’s been difficult to make sure our kids are cooled down. We try our best with [getting] them to drink water and having not just water but lemonade and sweet drinks as well, just to help with the heat because it’s difficult for all of us,” said Nadine Shevin Loof.

Environment Climate Change Canada (ECCC) officials say daytime temperatures are expected to reach 30 to 33 C, while overnight lows will remain near 20 C, offering little opportunity for homes and buildings to cool down. Combined with high humidity, humidex values are forecast to climb between 40 C and 44 C, creating conditions that can quickly become hazardous.

At a press conference Tuesday, David Keiser, deputy medical director of Montreal’s public health (DRSP), urged Montrealers to be on high alert, especially those who may be moving or working outside.

“All these people who are going to be lifting heavy things and really logging a very hard day tomorrow, despite even without the heat, it’s going to be a very difficult,” Keiser said.

“People need to work with what they have, but obviously starting as early as possible or waiting till a little later, at least end of the afternoon will avoid being exposed in the in the most in the hottest part of the day and taking your time,” he added.

Keiser said that the current forecast doesn’t call for the highest level of the City of Montreal’s emergency plans, which requires a forecast of three consecutive days of 33 Celsius or higher.

However, authorities are taking door-to-door intervention measures given the prolonged period of heat coming early this season and coinciding with Canada Day and moving day.

“We have identified specific buildings, neighborhoods, types of areas where we want there to be door to door when we’re into a heat wave that meets those criteria because we know that that’s where we have the most benefit in trying to identify people who are at home and may need help,” he added.

Keiser warned that the prolonged heat could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly among those experiencing homelessness, seniors, young children and people with chronic medical conditions. Those taking certain prescription drugs for mental health or heart conditions may need to adjust their medication, he added.

In the previous years, the lack of adequate air-conditioning in senior residences have particularly hit senior residences like CHSLDs. Keiser said that while the situation was improving, especially with an increase in private residences, an increased surveillance of signs and symptoms associated with heat strokes was recommended. He added that all CHSLDs have access to cooling spaces, even if not all rooms are air-conditioned.

The extreme humidity is also expected to increase discomfort for the general population.

“It’s pretty evident that even if you’re in good health when it’s 30 plus degrees with humidity that if you exert yourself all day long without taking a break, you’re going to feel it,” Keiser said.

Forecast

Tuesday will see a high of 30 C, with a mix of sun and cloud. There is a 60 per cent chance of afternoon showers and a risk of thunderstorm before the more intense heat arrives. Nighttime low will be 24 C.

The heat will build through the middle of the week. Wednesday is forecast to have a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers and risk of thunderstorm. Temperatures will see a high of 33 C and a low of 27 C.

Thursday will be similar with temperatures reaching 31 C under a mix of sun and cloud and a chance of showers and lows will remain a balmy 25 C.

Temperatures rise again Friday with a high of 31 C, while Saturday will see a return of sunny skies but will remain hot with a high near 30 C.

Officials are encouraging Montreal residents to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and check in on neighbours, relatives, and friends who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Although scattered showers are possible at times during the week, they are not expected to significantly reduce the heat or humidity. Relief is expected to be limited.

Clay Middelton is moving out today June 30th. He couldn’t book a mover on July 1st even though he called for an appointment a month and a half ago.

“We definitely underestimated the move, but these guys are legends, Middleton said, referring to the moving team, “they keep Montreal going around for sure.”

Eric Resendez was part of the moving team and says it was a “big day” for him. He started his day today at 7 a.m. and he won’t finish till 10 p.m.