It will be hot, very hot this weekend in Greater Montreal, and just about everywhere in the south of the province, at the dawn of the end of the construction holidays. Felt temperatures hovering around 40 degrees are expected in the metropolis on Saturday and Sunday, but should drop early next week.
Posted at 11:07 a.m.
Updated at 11:41 a.m.
“It could still be unpleasant,” says Environment Canada meteorologist Marie-Lou Payette. “It’s the humidity factor that will be quite high above all,” she adds.
Saturday, the mercury will reach 32 degrees at its peak, on the island of Montreal, but by adding the Humidex factor, the temperature felt will rather fluctuate around 42 degrees on the thermometer. Several other municipalities in Greater Montreal should also feel this strong heat. The situation will be similar in the south, particularly in the Ottawa Valley and the Pontiac region, as well as in Mauricie or Estrie, where temperatures are expected to feel around 40 degrees.
This heat should also continue on Sunday, although it may be “tempered” by the showers expected in several regions, said Ms.me Payette.
As of Monday, however, temperatures will drop quickly, even falling below normal for the season, with 20 degrees expected in Montreal in particular. “There will be a drastic change in temperature between Sunday and Monday,” warns the meteorologist about this.
Warnings and Tips
In hot weather, the federal agency advises citizens to drink plenty of water, to stay indoors or in the shade if possible, and not to exert too much physical effort outside, to avoid heatstroke or headaches. “Overall, we always suggest paying attention to how you feel. You have to take it easy as a good Quebecer. And we don’t leave animals in the car, it’s important, ”says the meteorologist.
Reduce your heat risks. Organize your outdoor activities during the cooler hours of the day. If you work outdoors, take regular breaks in a cool place.
Environment Canada, in a special bulletin
Such hot temperatures in August are not particularly unusual, however, recalls Mme Payette. “We are really in the time of year when it is recurrent that it repeats itself”, she observes.
In fact, the heat currently weighing on Quebec comes from a weather system coming from northern Ontario, with a cold front. However, it is ahead of this system that we find winds coming from the southwest, accompanied by heat and high humidity coming mainly from southern Ontario. “It is once this trough has passed that the heat will dissipate on Monday”, concludes Marie-Lou Payette.