Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement: A hot, humid air mass has settled in Montreal and it’s going to be punishing through the weekend.
Afternoon humidex values are expected to reach between 35 and 39 Monday and Tuesday.
Evenings will remain warm with lows of 18 degrees Celsius or higher, and Wednesday showers may bring some relief, but the oppressive heat will return on Thursday with humidex values nearing 40. Be prepared for the heat and humidity to persist through Saturday.
Urban areas will experience heightened, uncomfortable heat, with temperatures potentially a few degrees higher than in other regions. Environment Canada cautions that high heat can rapidly deteriorate your health and that of your family and friends.
What to do in a heat wave in Montreal?
The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, advises the following measures to protect yourself from the heat:
1. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, even if you're not thirsty. Follow your physician's guidelines if you have specific fluid intake recommendations.
2. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
3. Spend at least 2 hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place if possible.
4. Take at least one cool shower or bath daily, or cool your skin several times a day with a wet towel.
5. Limit physical activity and wear light clothing.
6. Additionally, never leave a child or baby alone in a vehicle or poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes.
7. Check on and assist loved ones, especially those who are functionally dependent , physically challenged, suffering from mental illness, or living alone.
Time Out Tip: Don’t forget that pets can also be affected by the heat, so make sure to ensure their safety as well.
What are the best ways to stay cool during a Montreal heat wave?
Our top 3 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.
3. Take the metro to the beach
With countless spots on and off the island where you can dip your toes in the water, these 4 beaches are easily accessible from downtown via public transit in under an hour.
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