Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Tuesday and Wednesday in southern Quebec.
The warning sent late Monday morning indicates that a warm and moist air mass is currently affecting large parts of the province.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in areas from Abitibi-Témiscamingue to Estrie via Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and the Montreal and Quebec metropolitan regions.
A difficult feeling for the body
However, it is the Humidex levels that need to be monitored, as certain sectors can expect feelings near 40, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Guillaume Perron.
“This is really the worst thing for the body, for people,” Mr. Perron stressed. It is actually this humidity, this feeling of suffocation, so to speak, that can be dangerous for the individual.
Environment Canada says in its warning that Humidex levels will be between 37 and 42.
These hot temperatures could continue on Thursday and Friday in the southernmost sectors of Quebec, the agency warns.
The summer of 2023 was not characterized by numerous heat episodes in Quebec, but this summer wave in early September is caused in particular by the current atmospheric context that brings back heat and humidity from the United States. United States, explained Mr. Perron.
It is also not ruled out that daily heat records will be broken in certain locations on Tuesday or Wednesday.
But the records are still quite high, the meteorologist qualified. We expect temperatures around 31 or 32 degrees [degrés Celsius]while the records are closer to 32 or 33 degrees.
Also in Ontario
Ontario won’t be left out either, as the province will experience very hot temperatures on Monday. The maximum temperatures are between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius and feel between 34 and 38 degrees Celsius.
The heat will continue in eastern Ontario through Tuesday and in the Toronto area on Wednesday.
Environment Canada reminds that the heat risk is greater for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and those who work or exercise outdoors.
The agency recommends people drink plenty of water and stay cool.
The passage of a cold front is expected to end the heat in most regions of Quebec and Ontario on Thursday.
Additionally, air quality remains poor in several areas due to smoke from wildfires in western Canada. This is particularly the case in the James Bay region, northern Ontario and the Prairies.