Quebec broke an “absolute” heat record for the month of September on Tuesday with temperatures rising to 35.8 C in Waskaganish in northern Quebec.
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“Since we started compiling the data, we have never recorded a temperature this hot in the province in September,” Dominic Martel, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, confirmed to the Journal.
Verdun Beach, Tuesday, in Montreal. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
The expert adds that the previous provincial record for the same month dates back to last year and was 35.7°C in the town of Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentians.
Numerous local records
Several cities in the province also recorded unprecedented temperatures on September 5.
In Trois-Rivières the mercury rose to 31.1°C. The old record was from 1999 at 30.5°C.
The city of Shawinigan reached 32.1°C, while the previous climate high of 29.4°C dates back to 1948.
“In September temperatures often exceed 30°C,” assures Dominic Martel. We checked with our colleagues and found that Quebec has recorded at least six heat waves in September in the past.
No freshness before… Friday
Quebecers will still have to endure the oppressive heat on Wednesday. In the Greater Montreal area, the mercury temperature should remain around 32°C.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
The humidex factor is likely to be around 40 in several regions of Quebec. According to Environment Canada, people begin to experience some “discomfort” once humidity reaches 20°C.
“Wednesday will be a copy and paste of Tuesday. On Thursday we can expect thunderstorms in the afternoon and the heat should subside,” confirms the meteorologist. He adds that it will be cool again on Friday with 27°C in southern Quebec.
CITIES WITH HEAT RECORDS FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2023:
- Trois-Rivières: New record of 31.1°C; Old record of 30.5°C (1999)
- Shawinigan: New record of 32.1°C; Old record of 29.4°C (1948)
- Mont-Tremblant: New record of 32.1°C; Old record of 31.5°C (1983)
- La Tuque: New record of 33.1°C; Old record of 31.5°C (1983)
Source: Environment Canada
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