Montreal's heat warning is no joke — Here's what the city's doing to protect people
Pools are staying open longer.
"Rest assured that the City of Montreal is doing everything it can to get through these hot days safely."
Montreal is baking under a heat wave, and the city has launched special measures to help residents get through the tough weather stretch safely.
On Monday morning, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the Montreal Island area, in effect through Tuesday, June 24. The federal agency says humidex values could reach as high as 46 on Monday, with highs of 35°C expected today and 34°C on Tuesday. Overnight temperatures won't offer much relief either, staying above 26°C tonight and 22°C on Tuesday night.
"Extreme heat can affect everyone's health," Environment Canada warns. "Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day."
According to the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, high temperatures in Quebec have been associated with 470 deaths, 225 hospitalizations, 36,000 emergency department visits,
In a statement shared Monday morning, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante confirmed the city is taking action to support vulnerable residents.
"A heat wave is currently affecting Montreal," she wrote. "Rest assured that the City of Montreal is doing everything it can to get through these hot days safely."
Starting today, the city is extending the opening hours of pools, splash pads, and air-conditioned public spaces. Plante added that bottled water will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness through community partners, and an automated phone system will reach out to vulnerable people in certain neighbourhoods.
She also urged residents to "drink lots of water, even before you feel thirsty," cool off in public pools or air-conditioned spaces when possible, and "check in on elderly neighbours or anyone vulnerable around you."
Environment Canada advises limiting sun exposure, wearing loose and light-coloured clothing, and planning outdoor activities for cooler hours.
Meanwhile, temperatures should return to normal by Wednesday, with rainy conditions expected later in the week.
For the latest alerts, visit weather.gc.ca.
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