Heat wave: Hot, humid weather on its way to Montreal just in time for Moving Day

Hot and humid weather is on its way to Montreal.

A heat warning is in effect for southern Quebec, including the Montreal area, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

“We’re going to get the first heat wave of the season this week,” confirmed Simon Legault, a warning preparedness meteorologist with ECCC. “The peak of that wave would be Wednesday, Thursday.”

From Wednesday to Saturday, daytime highs are expected to be between 30 and 33 C, with humidex values between 40 and 44.

Nighttime lows could be between 20 and 23 C.

• Your hourly and 7-day forecast on our CTVNewsMontreal.ca weather hub

“This is a prolonged period of high temperatures,” said Legault. “We expect impacts on the population, with the heat, the exhaustion that comes with that and the stress on the body.”

ECCC states that the hot weather could lead to exhaustion and heatstroke, as well as a general “inconvenience” to the population.

“There might be some showers and thunderstorms that might bring some momentary relief,” said Legault. “But that won’t change the weather because the air mass that is up and humid will be around until the end of the week.”

Plan accordingly for Moving Day

The heat wave is expected to hit just in time for Quebec’s traditional Moving Day on July 1.

Josh Schwartz, co-owner of Meldrum the Mover, offers some tips on how to best manage a move in high heat.

• READ MORE: Environment Canada warns of high heat and humidity for southern Quebec and Ontario

“Lots of bottles of water, lots of Gatorade, lots of healthy, proper foods. Not-too-salted food, or too many salted foods,” he said. “You want a lot of fruits, a lot of sugars to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the heat wave.”

He also advises limiting the time spent moving heavy furniture and watching the people around you for signs of overheating.

Schwartz adds that more hands make for lighter work, so movers should try to get as much help as possible.

“We will add extra crew members to the job and just to make sure to alleviate a bit of the stress to their days,” he said.

Heat safety

High body temperatures can cause grave injury or lead to death.

The Quebec Health Ministry is asking people to take precautions during the hot weather:

• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day before feeling thirsty;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or caffeine;
• Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place;
• Take at least one cool shower or bath, or cool your skin with wet towels;
• Limit physical activity;
• Wear light clothes.

Signs of heat illness include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

“Reduce your heat risk,” ECCC notes. “Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.”

Anyone with health-related questions is encouraged to call Info-Santé at 811.

In case of emergency, call 911.

Child safety

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle, front and back, before locking the door and walking away.
• Make sure your childcare provider knows to call you if your child has not been dropped off at their usual time.
• Always place an item (such as a purse) in the backseat so you have to open the door each time you leave the vehicle.
• Keep a large stuffed animal in your child’s car seat when it is not occupied. When your child is in the car, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat.
• When you arrive at your destination, avoid any distractions, including talking on the phone or texting.
• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call the police.
• If they are in distress due to the heat, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 immediately.

READ MORE: How to deal with heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Pool safety

In Quebec, one child a day arrives in an emergency room for drowning or near-drowning during the summer, according to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

In the last 30 years, the MCH trauma centre says it has seen more than 400 drownings and near-drownings.

Data show that 73 per cent of incidents occur in residential pools, park pools, aquatic centres and water parks.

Some ways to prevent drowning hazards:

• Constant adult supervision: undistracted and attentive surveillance of children, meaning no screens, books, chatting or drinking alcohol;
• The supervising adult should be within arm’s reach of anyone with weak swimming skills;
• Swimming lessons are encouraged;
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training is recommended;
• Never swim alone, regardless of age;
• Know the swimming skill level of those around you.