What beating the heat looks like in Quebec this week
With many places closed due to COVID-19, residents across the province had to find new ways to cool off
Southern Quebec has been hit with a wave of hot and muggy weather, with temperatures soaring to 35 C in Montreal Wednesday — make that 40 with the humidex.
The temperature in Montreal will hover around the low 30s until Friday.
Environment Canada issues a heat warning when the temperature reaches 40 C, or if it's 30 C or higher and a humidex of 40 or more is expected to last for at least one hour.
The definition of "extreme heat" varies by region. It's usually considered extreme when temperatures hit 31 C during the day and between 16 and 20 C at night for three consecutive days.
When Montreal detects dangerous heat levels for three days, firefighters and city staff go door to door to check on vulnerable residents, such as isolated seniors or those with health problems.
Montreal public health is also asking citizens to call those they are close to, especially older or vulnerable people, to find out how they are doing.
City dwellers have fewer options than usual to cool off, with municipal pools still closed due to the pandemic.
With most air-conditioned public spaces closed amid the pandemic, people have had to find other ways to keep cool.
Public health authorities recommend staying in cool areas and in the shade as much as possible, avoiding physical exertion and abstaining from alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration.
They also recommend bathing with cold water or wiping down with a damp washcloth.
Adults must also ensure children are drinking water and staying inside during the hottest times of the day.
Montreal public health also recommends calling Info-Santé at 811 for advice if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, dehydration, headaches, dizziness, confusion or fainting.
If you have these symptoms and are feverish, that may be a sign of heat stroke, and you should call 911.
Many of the city's splash pads are now open for children to cool off. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante encourages people of all ages to take advantage of the refreshing water games. Some will be open late, she said.
Several opened on Tuesday and kids were quick to take advantage of the fun.
The city has published a map online so people can easily locate splash pads and places to cool off.
Roughly 20 public spaces will be opened in the coming days so residents can enjoy city-funded air conditioning as long as they respect public health guidelines such as physical distancing.
To cool off at home, many people purchased air-conditioning units or fans this week. They are often become a precious commodity when the weather heats up — shelves left bare in stores.
Heading out to the local park to soak up some shade or sunbathe is a popular activity this time of year.
In Montreal alone, there are 676 local parks and eight nature parks, such as Cap-Saint-Jacques and Bois-de-Liesse, which offer forested landscapes to explore.
Montreal provides useful links and information about how to keep cool during a heatwave on its website.
