Heat warning issued as Quebec swelters under prolonged hot and humid conditions

A warm and humid air mass is threatening to loom over Quebec to stary the week.

If you can’t take the heat, you’re out of luck.

Environment Canada issued a heat warning on Sunday. A warm and humid air mass could loom over Quebec until Wednesday.

Daytime temperatures could exceed 30 degrees and remain above 20 degrees at night.

“We saw that the humidity is going to be like 40 or 45,” said one Montreal father.

“It’s hard to be out with these small kids. So we decided to come earlier to the park so they can enjoy a bit of time off and then they can get back home,” he said.

Parents and children aren’t the only ones affected. Equally vulnerable are their furry family members.

“I try not to put him too much in the heat. [...] I walk with him later in the evening,” one dog owner said.

With 98 per cent of lakes and rivers inaccessible to the public in southern Quebec, the heat is on to stay cool.

Emergency health specialist Dr. Mitch Shulman says overheating can have serious consequences.

“If you suddenly notice that sweat is pooling on your body rather than evaporating, that’s a tip off. If you’re feeling nauseated, lightheaded, unwell, feel like you’re going to faint, feel your heart beating in your chest, or you’re breathing faster. Those are all tip offs that your body is no longer able to cope,” he says.

These can all be symptoms of heat exhaustion - or worse, heat stroke.

“Avoid the parts of the day that are the hottest. If you can, make sure that you’re well hydrated. You need a variety of liquids. So if you’re going to use Gatorade or Powerade [...] cut it in half and half with water because you want the minerals and the electrolytes,” Dr. Shulman told CTV News.

In the heat of the moment, City of Montreal spokesperson Philippe Sabourin says there are places you can go.

“We have 56 outdoor pools open already for Montrealers. There’s also four beaches in Montreal. The one in Cap-Saint-Jacques [...] and there is the beach at Verdun. For the little kids, the splash pads are open,” he says.

Sabourin adds shopping malls and libraries are also good options for those in need of air conditioning over the next few hot days.