UPDATE, JULY 15, 2024: A mass of hot, humid air will result in a humidex index of 40 today. Humidex values could reach 43 in Montreal's heavily urbanized areas surrounding regions, resulting in extremely uncomfortable weather conditions.
Extreme heat is on its way to Montreal, with a warm air mass affecting southern Quebec starting Monday.
According to Environment Canada, temperatures between 30°C and 36°C are expected, with humidex values exceeding 40°C in the afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The potentially record-breaking heat and humidity is expected to ease on Friday.
The average temperature for this time period is 23.6°C, with the highest temperature on record being 33.9°C in 1994.
How long will the heat wave last?
Extreme temperatures are to start on Tuesday and last until Saturday. Saturday should bring a mix of clouds and showers with a high of 24°C.
How to stay cool during the Montreal heat wave?
Our top 5 ways to stay cool during a Montreal heat wave are:
1. Enjoy one of the city’s amazing pools
There’s a slew of outstanding pools of all shapes and sizes across the city.
Want to beat the crowds? From a sexy luxury boutique hotel pool to an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, don’t waste any time diving into these 3 rooftop pools—one of which is home to the city’s coolest new terrasse.
2. Spend the day inside the (air-conditioned) Montreal Eaton Centre
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner or a refreshing cocktail at Time Out Market Montréal—home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city in 40,000 square feet of air-conditioned space—or hitting up the largest entertainment centre downtown after some shopping.
Don't miss a visit to the most talked about new restaurant, bar and event space in the city, the Montreal Eaton Centre is the perfect place to stay cool.
3. Find some shade in a sprawling urban park
Grab a picnic—the city’s best cheap eats, or a couple of the city’s stellar hot dogs, are always a solid option—and find a cool patch of shade in one of Montreal’s gorgeous parks.
It’s one of our favourite free things to do in the city, along with one of the best things to do with kids.
4. Curl up in a cool local library
Spending time in one of Montreal’s beautiful libraries and bookstores is definitely one of the best things to do in town, especially when the air conditioning is on full blast.
Just make sure you don't forget to wear deodorant. Some of the city's best libraires also come with greenhouses and hidden gardens.
5. Head to the woodlands for some wild swimming
A hike in the woods that leads to a waterfall? An urban beach that serves food and cocktails? A road trip to turquoise water that’s giving Caribbean vibes? Or a nudist beach that promises to vanquish all tan lines?
There are no wrong answers here—especially when a secret footbridge is involved.
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