Record-breaking heat continues in Montreal, but the end is in sight

If you're wondering where the sweater weather is, it's on the way. But not before another few days of July-like heat and record-breaking temperatures.

Environment Canada has officially issued heat warnings for parts of southwestern and central Quebec.

In Montreal, the forecast high of 31 C, 40 with the humidity, was reached around 2 p.m. By the end of the afternoon, it hit 32 C. That beats the previous record for the highest temperature ever recorded on this day at the airport, 29.3 C in 2007.

For tomorrow, more of the same — 31 C, 40 with the humidity, and Wednesday the forecast is for 28 C.  

Those temperatures are 15 to 18 degrees above seasonal values during the day and 5 to 9 degrees above seasonal values during the night.

The average high for this time of year is around 17.5 C, while the average low is 7.2 C.

Most boroughs across the city are extending the opening dates for water parks and splash pads to help people deal with the heat.

For a complete list of which water parks will be open and for how long, consult the city's handy list here.

Keep hydrated and stay cool

Dr. David Kaiser, a consulting physician with Montreal's department of public health, said it's important to stay hydrated during periods of high heat.

That applies especially to seniors, people with chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart or lung problems, people with mental health issues, and small children and infants.

"On hot days like this, it's easy to get dehydrated," he said. "Drink water. Don't wait until you're thirsty."

Kaiser also said it's important to keep cool: turn on the air conditioning if you're lucky enough to have it, or go somewhere that has it if you don't, such as a library or shopping centre.

"If you can't, use a towel cooled with cold water or take a cold shower."

Anyone with heat-related concerns can call the city's Info-Santé line at 811 and speak with a health professional. 

What's causing this heat?

Meteorologist Alexandre Parent said there has been a big ridge of high pressure hanging around for two weeks now, and it hasn't budged.

The heat has been steadily building to the point where we're seeing particularly steamy temperatures now.

"There's a blocking pattern, and things aren't really moving — heat is building up, and the moisture as well, day after day after day," he said. 

It's "exceptional" that we're seeing this weather pattern at this time of the year — usually, this is something we'd experience in July and August, Parent said.

Also exceptional? The fact that we haven't had any rain since Sept. 10.

"The summer that we didn't have, we're having it now," Parent said.  

A cold front is on the way, however. Temperatures should be solidly back to normal by Thursday, with a forecast high of 18 C.

And on Friday, it's expected to be 14 C and rainy, according to the weather agency. Perfect weather for layering.

Parent said weather models predict the first week of October will be nice with above average temperatures, but nothing like what we've been seeing these last few days.