Caution is in order this weekend to prevent heatstroke, when the temperature could feel close to 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday in several regions of southern Quebec, before dropping below seasonal norms on Monday.
Running and outdoor sports enthusiasts should “take it more relaxed” this weekend, recommends Environment Canada meteorologist Marie-Lou Payette, in an interview with the To have to Saturday.
On its website, the federal agency has issued several heat warnings that concern more than a dozen regions in southern Quebec, including Montreal, Drummondville, Gatineau and Mauricie, among others. It is also very hot in southern Ontario and Nova Scotia, in particular.
In the Quebec metropolis and its suburbs, the mercury rose to 31 degrees Celsius at 2 p.m. with a perceived temperature of 35 degrees taking into account the high level of humidity. This perceived temperature could also reach 40 degrees during the day, Saturday, as well as Sunday, although thunderstorms are then expected in the evening.
The heat will continue tonight with a minimum temperature of 24 degrees. However, the mercury will drop to a maximum of 15 degrees overnight from Sunday to Monday. “After that, we have a hollow that passes with showers”, illustrates Ms. Payette.
The week will indeed start below the seasonal values, with a maximum temperature of 20 degrees during the day on Monday and the return of the rain. The mercury will then rise gradually to approach seasonal values on Wednesday, when 25 degrees are expected.
Here is a representation of the temperature variation caused by the urban heat island effect for Montreal on Saturday. Combining this with humidity, we get predicted Humidex values above 40. #meteoqc pic.twitter.com/0vQJgROpCC
— ECCC Weather Quebec (@ECCCMeteoQC) August 5, 2022
Precautions to take
In order to avoid suffering the repercussions of these oppressive heat events, several precautions can be taken, recalls Marie-Lou Payette. “People are recommended to stay in the shade, in air-conditioned places”, but also to drink plenty of water and avoid “too intense” physical exercises, indicates the meteorologist.
“We can also contact family members who are older” to hear from them and ensure that they are safe, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, concludes Ms. Payette.
Did you know that seniors, people with a chronic illness or who suffer from a mental health problem as well as children 0-4 years old are more vulnerable to the effects of heat?
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— Dr. Mylène Drouin, Director of Public Health Mtl (@Santepub_Mtl) August 5, 2022