An extreme heat warning has been issued for several regions of Quebec, including Mauricie. For many people who have to work outside, it poses an additional challenge.
The day-care centers were empty most of the day. According to government recommendations, it was far too hot to take the little ones outside.
A table provided by the Quebec government makes it possible to determine how often they can spend outside with the children based on the humidity.
In the construction sector, the days are difficult, especially on the roofs. The heat is even unbearable at times, while a break in dark burgundy asphalt pushes the feeling to almost 60°C. On a hot day, Mathieu Leblanc, owner of Couvreurs 40, is never surprised to find out that same morning that he has lost a player or even more.
In hot weather we often forget about the cleaners where the mercury in front of the presses can reach 37ºC. Difficult conditions for employees. Pierre Fiset, the owner of Nettoyeur Sainte-Marie, found solutions: he installed freshness islands; He urged his employees to slow down and let them leave work earlier. The heat is unbearable.
Hydration remains the best solution. Luckily I’m downtown. There are several stores where I can fill up my water bottle. Often there are even local residents who are generous in this regard and allow me to fill up my bottle, explains a postman at work. On the construction site, workers can drink four to eight liters of water a day.
All stuff is good for chilling. Le Grill restaurant’s chef, Jean-Luc de Champlain, offers his staff frozen treats and makes sure they always have water on hand. With the Festivoix, customers are in the city center despite the sweltering heat and the rush hour is shorter but more intense than usual.
The workers must be patient. According to Environment Canada, the extreme heat warning will remain in place until Thursday.